Pedestrian crossings

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognise each type of crossing from a distance.
• You can slow down and stop for people waiting at, or using, a zebra or parallel crossing.
• You can respond correctly to the flashing amber phase at a pelican crossing.
• You can follow the zigzag rules on the approach to any crossing.
• You can wait patiently without hurrying people across.

What you need to know and understand

• You must give way to pedestrians once they have stepped onto a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
• You must not park on a crossing or on the zigzag lines either side of it.
• In the zigzag area, you must not overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing, or a vehicle that has stopped to let people cross.
• At a pelican crossing, flashing amber means give way to anyone on the crossing, but you may go on with caution if it is clear.
• Puffin, toucan and equestrian crossings have no flashing amber phase. The lights follow the normal traffic light sequence.
• Give way to anyone still on any crossing after the signal for traffic has turned green.
• Do not wave, flash your lights or sound your horn to invite people to cross.

Spotting the different types

• Zebra: black and white stripes on the road, flashing amber globes (Belisha beacons) on posts, and zigzag lines. No traffic lights.
• Parallel: like a zebra but with a cycle crossing alongside it, so cyclists can ride across too.
• Pelican: push-button lights with the red and green figures on the far side of the road, and a flashing amber phase for drivers.
• Puffin: push-button lights with the figures on the near side, above the button. Sensors can detect people still on the crossing and keep the red light showing to traffic for longer.
• Toucan: pedestrians and cyclists cross together, and cyclists may ride across.
• Equestrian: wider crossings for horse riders, often next to a pedestrian or toucan crossing.

Driving up to a crossing

Zigzag lines warn you a crossing is coming. Check your mirrors, look at the pavement on both sides and be ready to slow down. At a zebra crossing, slow down or stop for people who are waiting, and allow extra stopping distance on wet or icy roads. Once someone has stepped onto it, you must give way.

If traffic is queuing, keep the crossing clear. Do not move onto it unless you can get all the way across. Where parked or queuing vehicles block your view, take extra care, as people may walk out between them.

Waiting and moving off

While people cross, sit still. Do not rev the engine or edge forward, which can frighten or rush people, especially older or disabled pedestrians. Before moving off, check that everyone has finished, including anyone hurrying to catch the last few seconds. At a zebra with a central island, each half counts as a separate crossing. A straight-across pelican with an island counts as one crossing, so wait for people coming from the far side too.

Common mistakes

• Waving pedestrians across. Another driver may not stop for them.
• Overtaking a car that is slowing for a crossing. It may be stopping for someone you cannot see.
• Driving on as soon as amber flashes at a pelican. You must give way to anyone still crossing.
• Stopping on the crossing in queuing traffic. Wait until there is room beyond it.
• Missing people waiting at a zebra. Scan the pavements as soon as you see the zigzags.

Test yourself: Pedestrian crossings

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Types of Pedestrian Crossing UK
• Highway Code Rules for Pedestrians