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Travel and transport

Pedestrian crossings and traffic signals

There are a number of types of formal pedestrian crossing:

  • pelican crossing: a crossing on a road controlled by a sequence of lights arranged to allow pedestrians to cross the road in safety (we no longer install new pelican crossings in York)
  • puffin crossing: similar to a pelican crossing, but arranged so it responds to a pedestrian using the crossing to improve safety and efficiency
  • toucan crossing: similar to a pelican crossing, but arranged to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road in safely
  • zebra crossing: marked with dark and light stripes on the road, with belisha beacons, giving priority to pedestrians - not light controlled
  • traffic signals: controlled road junctions with a sequence of lights to share out the use of the same space by both drivers and pedestrians

In addition to formal crossings, there are also a number of informal crossings:

  • dropped kerb crossings: to help wheelchair or mobility scooter users and people with pushchairs to cross roads safely
  • kerb build-outs: to reduce the crossing distance
  • central refuge crossings: to enable roads to be crossed in two stages

Replacement of pelican crossings

Puffin crossings have been introduced in York, replacing some older pelican crossings, because they:

  • cut delays
  • improve the flow of traffic
  • increase pedestrians' safety
  • benefit both pedestrians and drivers

Also see

Transport Systems Team

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 551550