How to deal with pedestrian crossings

There are four main types of pedestrian crossing - zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan. Pelican, puffin and toucan crossing classify as controlled pedestrian crossings with zebra being uncontrolled.

Controlled pedestrian crossings are those which have traffic lights which let the traffic know when they have to stop and when they can proceed. Uncontrolled crossings do not have traffic lights and pedestrians have the priority.

Dealing with pedestrian crossings

You should apply the MSPSL routine when approaching a pedestrian crossing.

Mirrors

Your first thought when you see a crossing should be to check your mirrors. You'll need to find out what, if anything, is around you and how close.

Signal

It is unlikely that you'll need to apply a signal for most pedestrian crossings.

Position

Depending on the crossing, your positioning may or may not have to change. Some crossings have multiple lanes, and you'll want to be in the correct lane approaching it, rather than changing while on it. There might be parked cars near the crossing, so make sure you leave a safe cap, in case someone opens a car door for example.

Speed

If it's a controlled crossing and the lights have just turned to red, or it's an uncontrolled zebra crossing and pedestrians are approaching it, then try to time your approach so you don't have to brake suddenly and harshly when you reach the crossing. This will probably scare the pedestrians.

Look

Keep an eye out for pedestrians who have pressed the button on the yellow box at the crossing - the word "WAIT" will probably light up in white on the box. This is a hint that the lights may change soon.

Observe the crossing ahead to pinpoint any hazards developing so you can avoid braking harshly when you reach the crossing. Make sure you stop before the give way line, and not over it. If you're on your driving test and you stop over the line, this can be deemed as a serious driving fault and will result in a fail.

Traffic light sequences

Red: stop
Steady amber: stop, if you can do so safely
Red & amber: get ready to go
Flashing amber: proceed if the crossing is clear
Green: go, if it is safe to do so

Types of crossing

Zebra

Black and white lines are printed on the road. Flashing amber beacons located on both sides of the road mean you can go as long as there are no pedestrians at the crossing.

Pelican

Stop lines printed on the road are indicative of where to stop. You should not stop over them or on the crossing itself. Pelican crossings have a yellow box pedestrians can press, so keep an eye out for the word "WAIT" lit up in white on the box.

Puffin

These crossings share the same layout as a pelican crossing. The only difference is that these ones have sensors on top of the crossing which detect movement. If someone presses the button and walks off, the lights won't unnecessarily hold up the traffic.

Toucan

These follow the same rules as a pelican but toucan crossings allow cyclists to ride across. You'll probably see blue "cycle route" signs leading up to the crossing to help you decide it's a toucan while approaching.

What are the zig-zag markings?

The zig-zag markings printed on the road at pedestrian crossings mean that you cannot park there or overtake.

What is meant by "No Straddling"

Straddling a pedestrian crossing means parking on it. To avoid straddling the crossing you should stop just before it, not on it, leaving it clear for pedestrians to walk across.

Waving pedestrians across...

You should not wave pedestrians across the crossing. In fact, you shouldn't ever wave pedestrians across any road. It's their decision to go or not. If they choose to wait and you have acknowledged that they are there by stopping at the crossing, you should proceed with caution.

Although you think you could be helping them, you could actually be misleading them. If someone hasn't seen you waving or the other side of the road isn't clear, you could be waving them into a dangerous situation, possibly resulting in an accident. The examiner could mark this as a serious or minor fault depending on the effect it has on others.