What does the "Pedestrian Crossing" sign mean?
The "Pedestrian Crossing" sign exists on UK roads to denote a pedestrian crossing on a road, avenue or street. The placement of this sign makes it safer for pedestrians of any variety to cross the road. It can also act as a warning of possible pedestrians in the area who need to cross.
The "Pedestrian Crossing" sign means that, on the upcoming section of road, there is a place designated for pedestrians to cross. This sign, therefore, means that, at the crossing, the following are prioritised (given a right of way) over motorised traffic:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Equestrians
- Any other method of transport which is looking to cross the road
Its function is primarily for the safety of all users of a certain carriageway by allowing pedestrians to cross roads, particularly busy ones. This involves increasing the segregation between road users which is usually achieved by stopping one kind of traffic (either pedestrians or motorised vehicles) to allow the other to pass. There are various different types of pedestrian crossings, all of which can be signalled by the placement of a "Pedestrian Crossing" sign. These types are as follows:
- Zebra crossing - an uncontrolled crossing denoted by black and white stripes on the road and orange flashing beacons on either side. Leading up to the crossing there are zigzag lines on both sides of the road. Cars must stop for pedestrians waiting to cross or crossing the road, and must not continue until the pedestrian has fully crossed the road.
- Pelican crossing - a crossing controlled by a set of traffic lights, with the request to activate the crossing given by the pedestrian pressing a button. A red light to the motorists corresponds with a green man shown to the pedestrians, meaning they can cross. An amber flashing light means the motorists can move on as long as there are no pedestrians still crossing the road.
- Puffin crossing - a more intelligent version of the pelican crossing. This is where a change from red to green for the motorists is dictated by whether a pedestrian is still crossing, detected by sensors on the top of the lights and in the pavement.
- Toucan crossing - a pelican crossing designed for cyclists (in addition to pedestrians), allowing them not to dismount whilst crossing, unlike other types of crossing.
How Common is This Sign?
The "Pedestrian Crossing" sign is very common in the UK, as the use of road crossings is also very common. However, it may not always be present where there is a crossing in place, for example, where there are controlled crossings (see above) as the road user should be able to detect the crossing by the presence of traffic lights. Additionally, other signals, such as the zigzag lines leading up to a zebra crossing and the orange flashing beacons are there to indicate a pedestrian crossing, and so a "Pedestrian Crossing" sign may not be used here either.
Where are you likely to see the "Pedestrian Crossing" Sign?
The "Pedestrian Crossing" sign is found where there is a pedestrian crossing, i.e. where pedestrians are given right of way. These are usually found at intersections, but may also be present along straights of roads, especially when such roads are particularly busy.
When did this Sign First Come into Action?
The first triangular warning signs (such as the "Pedestrian Crossing" sign) first appeared on British roads in 1954. However, the first pedestrian signal was installed much earlier in December 1868 on Bridge Street, Westminster in London.
"Pedestrian Crossing" signs are located mainly at intersections or on busy roads and exist as a warning of an upcoming pedestrian right of way to improve the safety of all road users. There are four main types of controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossing which may be denoted by the "Pedestrian Crossing" sign. Although introduced in 1954, this sign is still very common on UK roads at such points of pedestrian crossing, although some crossings may exist without the presence of the sign itself.