Pedestrian Crossings Tutorial

There are three main types of pedestrian crossing:

• Zebra Crossings, which are uncontrolled.
• Traffic-light controlled crossings, which may be at ordinary traffic lights or under the direct control of pedestrians, such as pelican, puffin and toucan crossings.
• Supervised crossings, which are controlled by a police officer, traffic warden or school patrol warden using a stop sign.

Puffin Crossings

Pedestrian User Friendly Crossings have automatic sensors, which detect when pedestrians wish to cross and delay the green light until they have safely reached the other side. The light sequence is the same as a normal traffic light with no flashing amber stage. Sensors track the pedestrians as they cross the road so that the lights only change to green when the crossing is clear, hence why no flashing amber stage is necessary.

Toucan Crossings

These can also be used by cyclists who have the right to ride across them without dismounting. Again there is no flashing amber stage. They use a normal traffic light sequence. They are named toucan because two can cross at the same time. You will find them where the footpath and cycle lane cross a road.

School Crossings

These are controlled by lollipop men and women. They are temporary crossings that help school children and their parents cross the road safely. The may be preceded by a warning sign and/or a twin flashing light beacon which will operate at the beginning and end of the school day.

If the lollipop man/woman is standing at the kerb with the lollipop raised, traffic must stop and allow them to take up a position in the road. When they return to the side of the road and lower the sign, traffic can then proceed forward.

At pedestrian crossings, the examiner on your driving test will expect you to:

• Use the MSM/PSL routine as you approach the crossing
• Demonstrate consideration and courtesy for pedestrians
• Stop at Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus Crossings if the lights are red
• Stop when a school crossing patrol officer steps into the road
• Give way to pedestrians at Pelican Crossings if the lights are flashing amber
• Slow down and stop at Zebra Crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting to cross

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

• Control your speed on your approach to Pedestrian Crossings
• Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.

Key Signs

School crossing patrol ahead

Zebra Crossing

School Crossing patrol