10 January 2022
Stopping at junctions is an integral part of your daily routine as a driver, but are there six types of junctions that are common at junctions in the UK - do they all have the same rules?
Are you using them all correctly and can you even identify them?
Let's take a look at the main types of crosses and point out their peculiarities so that you don't miss anything.
pelican transitions
Pelican, also known as light-controlled pedestrian crossings, was introduced in the UK in 1969.
They were the first light-controlled intersections, powered by pedestrians and controlled by traffic lights.
How to recognize them
As you approach a Pelican intersection, you will see a traffic light with zigzag lines before and after on either side of the road.
how they work
A pelican crossing is activated when a pedestrian presses the button on the control panel - these are located at traffic lights on either side of the street.
Pressing the button changes the traffic light to red. The 'red man' signal for pedestrians - located on the opposite side of the street they are on - turns into a 'green man', indicating to the pedestrian that it is safe to cross.
When a pelican crossing is directly across the street—even if there is a central island for protection—the law requires motorists to wait until pedestrians have completed the crossing and the light is flashing either yellow or green before proceeding.
When an intersection is staggered - with two different traffic lights and a pedestrian protection zone in the middle - the intersections are treated as separate.
During operation, the Green Man signal may start to flash - this advises pedestrians not to start crossing, but advises them that they can continue to do so once they are already moving across the road.
A pelican crossing is the only crossing that has a flashing yellow light as part of its sequence. When you see a traffic light flashing amber at a pelican crossing, it signals that traffic has stopped to make way for pedestrians already crossing. If the intersection is clear, you can start driving.
FREE battery change
For a limited time you can get a FREE £42 battery replacement with your RAC crash cover.^
buy now
Lund transitions
Also known as easy-to-use smart pedestrian crossings - these look like pelicans but have Green Man and Red Man lights on the same side of the road as the user waiting to cross.
How to recognize them
Like crossing pelicans, you will see a series of traffic lights with zigzag lines before and after on either side of the road.
how they work
Puffin Crossovers have two sensors above the traffic lights - a Pedestrian Crossing Detector (PCD) and a Pedestrian Curb Detector (PCD).
These make the intersection more efficient by detecting when pedestrians are crossing slowly - resulting in the intersection holding a red light for longer.
If the pedestrian presses the panel and crosses or walks too soon, the sensors cancel the prompt.
- 16 rules in the traffic law that most people ignore
- Did you know that we offer specialists?Teacher driver insurance?
- How to pass your driving test- a complete guide from beginner to professional
There is no "blink phase" as with traditional Pelican transitions.
When the pedestrian signal is on the same side of the road as the crossing, they can better monitor traffic and also help the visually impaired who may have difficulty seeing the lights from a distance.
Some puffin crossings are also equipped with small turn handles that tell visually impaired pedestrians when to start crossing.
pedestrian crossing
Zebra crossings are black and white pavements that span the entire width of the street.
How to recognize them
The crosses can be recognized by their stripes - these are mostly black and white. You can also recognize a cruise because there are zigzag lines on both sides of the street.
You may also see flashing amber orbs on black and white poles - called Belisha Beacons - on either side.
how to use them
Zebra crossings do not have a light signal to control traffic – pedestrians automatically have the right of way.
If the intersection is divided and there is a pedestrian protection area in the middle, they must be treated as two separate intersections.
Drivers should always make sure there are no pedestrians waiting to cross the road before proceeding. Be sure to check both sides of the road and make sure they crossed the road safely.
- Road markings in the UK: what they mean and what the road rules say
- Driving without shoes - is it illegal?
- What should you do if your car breaks down?
Toucan transitions
Also called crossings with two transitions. These are very similar to traditional Pelikan crossings, but also signal cyclists to cross.
How to recognize them
From a distance they look like pelicans and puffins – but the difference between a toucan crossing and a pelican or puffin is that they have an extra signal for bikes.
They are usually found at the edge of parks or bike paths and are wider - about four meters - compared to pelican and puffin crossings, which are about two meters wide.
how to use them
As with Pelican and Puffin crossings, cyclists and pedestrians must press the control panel and wait for either the Green Man signal or the Green Bike signal to appear.
They do not have a flash level as part of their signal sequence.
- Roundabouts - how to deal with them and pass your exam
- The Highway Code - common road signs in the UK and what they mean
- How to teach a learner driver- a guide to monitoring a friend or family member
Car insurance for learner drivers
Pay only for the coverage you need - from 1 day to 5 months†.
get an offer
Pegasus transitions
This is the least common type of junction on UK roads. They share similarities with Toucan transitions, but have a higher positioned control that the rider can press without dismounting.
They also have a full-height control panel that can be operated by pedestrians.
How to recognize them
They are also often found near parks and areas popular with equestrians. They usually have additional safety devices such as fences or barriers nearby. Also, they are usually wider than pedestrian crossings to keep vehicles further away from horses.
how to use them
A Pegasus is operated in the same way as a pedestrian crossing.
Like puffins, they can also detect movement on the road and hold the signal longer to allow horses and riders to cross safely.
Pegasus crossings also do not have a flash level, they simply alternate between green and red.
Transition in front of a school
Manned by a lollipop or school patrol officer, school crossings are critical to the safety of children traveling to and from school.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1984, it is an offense to fail to stop when signaled to you by a border guard.
How to recognize them
A yellow signal will normally flash as you approach the intersection to alert motorists of the possibility of pedestrians on the road.
There will be road signs to accompany this indicating that school children may cross the road.
how to use them
When the Border Patrol enters the street, motorists must stop and not continue until all pedestrians have safely cleared the sidewalk.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in a £1,000 fine, three penalty points or even a driving ban.
If you are using a school crossing, make sure you do not cross until you are told it is safe to do so and never obey the crossing guard.
Cyclists should always dismount before using the intersection.
Safety is of course top priority when driving on the road and in trafficRAC Black Box InsuranceYou will be rewarded for safe driving.
The black box built into your vehicle monitors things like braking (for example, when approaching a crosswalk). Upon renewal, your price will be calculated based on this data. You can benefit from having presumed safe driving habits.
Black box car insurance
Helping young and new drivers save money by rewarding safe driving.
- Learn to drive
^ For 1 nominated vehicle. Applies to the additional and comprehensive insurance for new, private and individual vehicles. Ends 24/05/23 at
† One month of coverage is 28 days for a total of 140 days for a 5 month coverage.
driving directions
Learn to drive
FAQs
Road crossings - do you know your pelicans from your toucans? | RAC drive? ›
Toucan. Crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path (Cyclists are not allowed to cross the road using Zebra, Pelican or Puffin crossings). They have the same signals as Pelicans, but include a green cycle symbol alongside the green man.
Is a toucan and pelican crossing the same? ›Toucan. Crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path (Cyclists are not allowed to cross the road using Zebra, Pelican or Puffin crossings). They have the same signals as Pelicans, but include a green cycle symbol alongside the green man.
What is a pelican and toucan crossing? ›Pelican crossings have the pedestrian signal at the opposite side of the road; do not have any pedestrian sensors; and have a flashing light phase at the end of the crossing time. Puffin crossings can become Toucan crossings by adding a bicycle symbol to the red/green crossing man, and increasing the crossing width.
How do you remember the pelican crossing? ›A Pelican crossing is the only crossing which has a flashing amber light as part of its sequence. If you see a flashing amber on the traffic lights while at a pelican crossing, it is signalling to the stopped traffic that they must give way to pedestrians already crossing.
How do you remember toucan crossing? ›Toucan (Two can cross) crossings are similar to Pelican crossings, but they allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross (best way to remember the name is 'two can' cross).
What is the toucan crossing rule? ›Toucan crossings are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.
What is a toucan crossing look like? ›Toucan Crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to use at the same time and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path. They are similar to Pelican and Puffin crossings and can be identified by a cycle symbol shown on the yellow box where you request to cross.
What do Americans call pelican crossing? ›Pelican crossings are ubiquitous in many countries, but usage of the phrase "pelican crossing" is confined mainly to the UK and Ireland. A comparable system called the HAWK beacon is used in the United States.
Is there such a thing as a toucan crossing? ›Toucan crossings are used on cycle routes to allow cyclists to cross the road safely alongside pedestrians. This dual-use is referred to by the name Toucan - meaning “two can” cross.
Why is it called toucan crossing? ›A toucan crossing is the British term for a type of pedestrian crossing that also allows bicycles to be ridden across. Since “two can” cross together (both pedestrians and cyclists) the name “toucan” was chosen.
What do flashing amber lights at a pelican crossing mean? ›
Pelican Crossings are the crossings which are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red 'Stop' light. This crossing is made aware to the drivers with its traffic lights and zig-zag road markings. As a driver, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing, when the amber light is flashing.
What are the signs of a pelican crossing? ›Pelican crossings are signified by traffic lights for drivers and a 'WAIT' sign and button for pedestrians to press. They must wait for the green person before they start crossing, and drivers must stop until all pedestrians have completed their crossing.
Does a toucan crossing have sensors? ›Puffin, Toucan and Equine Pedestrian Crossings have sensors to detect pedestrians and the lights are kept on red for the traffic until the pedestrian (rider/cyclist) has departed the crossing area.
What are pelican toucan and Puffin crossings? ›Toucan crossings are incorporated into cycle routes. As such, they allow cyclists to cross without dismounting, as they should at other crossings. They are controlled by Pelican- or Puffin-type signals and drivers should treat them as they would any other signal-controlled crossing.
Why are crossings named after birds? ›Toucans are used in the UK to allow cyclists to cross with pedestrians. They use on-crossing detectors, like puffins, and cost about the same as puffins to install. Photo via newcastle.gov.uk. Toucan crossings got their names because they're built for two to cross: pedestrians and cyclists.
Do Toucan crossings beep? ›Toucan crossing rules for pedestrians and cyclists
While the green light is illuminated, the crossing will usually make a beeping sound to signal to those that are visually impaired.
According to Britannica, “Toucans wings are short and rounded, with those types of wings, the Toucan has a hard time flying because of its large bill and its big tail.” Climate change would affect the Toucan by burning down its habitat, with fewer trees, the Toucans have to fly farther to find a nest.
How do pelican crossings work? ›Pelican crossings
Pedestrians waiting at a pelican crossing are able to press a button that changes the traffic lights to red. Sounds simple enough – pedestrians press the button and cross once the lights are red.
They can be aggressive with other birds and are known to occasionally kill and eat smaller species, like canaries and finches.
What are two facts about a toucan? ›- A toucan can live for up to 20 years.
- The Toco Toucan is the largest - they weigh 2 pounds and can grow up to 25 inches long.
- Their bill (beak) accounts for half of their length.
- Their colourful bill makes them one of the world's most popular birds.
Where do toucans love? ›
Life in the rain forest. With its large, bright-orange and yellow beak, the toco toucan is the best known of the toucan species. They are also called the common toucan, giant toucan, or just "toucan." In the wild, toco toucans live in rain forests in South America, where they make their home in the trees.
What is the order of a pelican crossing? ›Pelican crossing light sequence
The light sequence for motorists is as follows. A red light is followed by a flashing amber light on its own, which is followed by a green light. A flashing amber light allows you to move off if there are no individuals at or near the crossing.
Pelican crossings
Pelican crossing means Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing. Pedestrians can press a button that changes the road traffic lights to red after a small delay. Signs: Red stationary person - it is not safe to cross. Green walking person - safe to cross.
Pelican crossings
Previously known as a PELICON crossing (a portmanteau of PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled), the pelican was first introduced to UK roads in 1969. It incorporates traffic lights to signal to drivers and a push button on either side of the road for pedestrians.
The campy and entertaining toucan is legal to own in California. Most accounts say they make great pets because they are friendly, playful, and intelligent. They will play with toys with their owners and keep them company. These birds are not skittish, and they will sit on your shoulder, lap, or nearby with pleasure.
What is the rarest toucan in the world? ›Citron-throated toucan
Always extremely rare in captivity, this subtly beautiful toucan is common in its limited range in Colombia and Venezuela.
Toucans Are Affectionate
However, as animals that naturally gravitate towards nesting in tree cavities, these strange birds often love to snuggle with their owners. This is, of course, mostly true with toucans that have been socialized around humans, which is just the same with other birds.
The literal Toucan meaning is derived from the Brazilian word 'Tucano. ' Toucan symbolizes sharing wisdom and engaging in public speaking. The bird, due to its social skills, acts as a symbol of socializing and stage work.
What is special about a toucan? ›Toucans are best known for their large, colorful bills, which can be four times the size of their head. They use their beak to reach food far out on branches or deep into tree cavities. Finding and catching food is aided by a toucan's long tongue, which can measure up to 5.9 inches.
Is a toucan a Mexican bird? ›Toucans are native to the Neotropics, from Southern Mexico, through Central America, into South America south to northern Argentina. They mostly live in the lowland tropics, but the mountain species from the genus Andigena reach temperate climates at high altitudes in the Andes and can be found up to the tree line.
What are the disadvantages of a pelican crossing? ›
Pelican crossings provide clear instructions to both drivers and pedestrians of when to stop and when to go. However the disadvantage is that often a pedestrian will push the button and then either cross in a gap of traffic or continue walking down the road.
What is the difference between a pelican crossing and a zebra crossing? ›Zebra crossings do not have a Stop line, only a Yield line. The pelican crossing is controlled by a set of traffic lights, and pedestrians can request to cross by pressing a button and waiting for the 'green man' to indicate they can cross. Drivers must stop when the red light shows.
What follows a green light at a pelican crossing? ›After the green signal, traffic lights will turn to steady amber.
What is a tiger crossing? ›Formal crossings include
Zebra. Parallel (a new type of crossings for cyclists separately from pedestrians. These are also referred to as Tiger crossings).
Function. Unlike the older pelican crossing designs, where the pedestrian signal lights are mounted on the opposite side of the road, the puffin crossing has them mounted at the near road side, set diagonally to the road edge. This allows the pedestrian to monitor passing traffic while waiting for the signal to cross.
What are the zig zags on crossings? ›The approach to, and exit from, a pedestrian crossing is marked with zigzag lines. It also means that you must not park on them or overtake the leading vehicle when approaching the crossing. Parking here would block the view for pedestrians and the approaching traffic.
When should you stop at a pelican crossing? ›Pelican crossings.
These are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red 'Stop' light. You MUST stop when the red light shows. When the amber light is flashing, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing.
When they fledge at 10 to 12 weeks, having grown their flight feathers, the chicks are already adult size (which is why you don't think you ever see a baby pelican), but they can be identified by their brown-and-white feathers, instead of the black-and-white feathers of their parents.
What are 2 facts about a pelican? ›Pelicans have very large beaks, as well as extremely long necks. The lower half of a pelican's beak has a flexible pouch of skin: this is called a gular pouch. With this pouch, a pelican can catch several fish all at the same time. Pelican eating habits are different depending on the species of pelican.
What's the difference between pelican and zebra crossing? ›Pelican crossings differ from zebra crossings in that the flow of traffic is controlled by traffic lights. (And, as far as I know, they were not named after a politician called Mr Pelican.) Pedestrians waiting at a pelican crossing are able to press a button that changes the traffic lights to red.
What is toucan crossing named after? ›
Toucan Crossings
A toucan crossing is a pedestrian crossing that also allows cyclists to cross. The name toucan crossing is derived from “two-can”, since both a pedestrian and cyclist can cross together.
Pelican Crossing
This is controlled by a set of traffic lights, and pedestrians can request to cross by pressing a button and waiting for the green man to indicate they can cross. There is also usually a beeping sound to accompany the green man.
A puffin crossing (its name derived from the phrase "pedestrian user-friendly intelligent") is a type of pedestrian crossing in use in the United Kingdom.
Is toucan a bird or not? ›toucan, (family Ramphastidae), the common name given to numerous species of tropical American forest birds known for their large and strikingly coloured bills.
Which bird name is toucan? ›Toucans (/ˈtuːkæn/, UK: /-kən/) are Neotropical members of the near passerine bird family Ramphastidae. The Ramphastidae are most closely related to the American barbets. They are brightly marked and have large, often colorful bills. The family includes five genera and over forty different species.