Controlled crossings are covered by regulations. New traffic lights require a Traffic Management Order to be legally enforceable by the Police.

Types of controlled crossings

pelican

Pelican crossing

This is a type of pedestrian crossing. It features:

  • a standard set of traffic lights
  • a push button and
  • two coloured lamps for pedestrians using the crossing

The official name is PELICON crossing (short for PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled crossing)

toucan

Toucan crossing

This is a type of signal controlled pedestrian crossing. It's found in the UK and allows bicycles to across. Since both pedestrians and cyclists, cross together, the name toucan was chosen.

Puffin crossing

The Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent Crossing differs from a pelican crossing. The lights puffin controlling the pedestrians are on the near side of the road, rather than ​on the opposite side. The system utilises sensors that:

  • detect the presence of pedestrians waiting at the crossing and
  • detects their movement as they are crossing the road

If the pedestrian decides to cross after pushing the button but before the 'green man' appears, the sensor detects this movement. It can then cancel the requested 'demand' if there is no one else.

Zebra crossing

This is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its zebra distinguishing feature consists of alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. A zebra crossing typically gives extra rights of way to pedestrians waiting to cross.

Pegasus crossing

This is a type of signalised pedestrian crossing with special consideration for horse riders. pegasus This​ type of crossing is nicknamed after the mythical winged horse, Pegasus. At a minimum, these crossings are in the form of a pelican crossing but have two control panels:

  • one at the normal height for pedestrians or dismounted riders, and
  • another one two metres above the ground for the use of mounted riders

Ped-X crossing (pedestrian countdown at traffic lights)

A Pedestrian Countdown facility at a signalled crossing is the latest addition to a controlled crossing. It counts down how long you have to cross the road:

  • after the ‘green man’ light has gone out and
  • before the red man light goes on

Pedestrian Countdown will replace the blackout with an electronic countdown signal. This shows exactly how many seconds remain to safely cross the road before the ‘red man’ light comes on. Some say this is an improved version of a Pelican Crossing.