A pedestrian crossing can mean a number of different facilities which include -
Puffin crossings
Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent Crossing.
Puffin crossings look very similar to pelicans. Puffin crossings are an updated version of a pelican crossing. One of the main differences is that the red and green man signals are just above the wait box. They are not on the other side of the road. Pedestrians should press the button on the box. Puffin crossings have special sensors built in. The sensors can detect a pedestrian waiting. They make sure that traffic remains stopped until all the pedestrians have crossed the road.
Puffins do not have a flashing green man for pedestrians or a flashing amber for drivers.
Toucan crossings - Two Can Cross
These crossings are provided for pedestrians and cyclists. They are usually at sites where cycle routes cross busy roads. They are similar to a puffin with the crossing operated by a push button on the wait box. On a toucan there is a green and red cycle signal, as well as the more familiar red and green man.
The main advantage for cyclists is that they do not have to dismount to cross. Toucans also have sensors to detect pedestrians using the crossing. There is no flashing green man signal and drivers must wait for a green light.
Zebra crossing
This crossing has black and white stripes like a zebra with orange flashing beacons at each end. A zebra crossing gives the pedestrian right of way once their foot is on the crossing. Pedestrians must make sure that all the traffic has stopped before crossing. They should keep looking and listening as they cross.
Many people ask for zebra crossings to be changed to puffin crossings, believing them to be safer. Recent research has shown that the safety record of both types is very similar. In some cases, zebras are safer.
Pelican crossing
Pedestrian Light Controlled Crossing, now superseded by the puffin crossing.
Pelican crossings are controlled by the pedestrian pressing the button on the wait box. Pedestrians should only cross when the green man lights up and all the traffic has stopped. Sometimes there is a bleeper to help blind or partially sighted people know when it is safe to cross. Or there may be a rotating knob underneath the wait box, which turns when the green man lights up.
Pedestrians should not start to cross if the green man is flashing. We no longer install Pelicans. The newer Puffin crossings provide a better facility for pedestrians.