Here in the UK, we have a variety of crossings for pedestrians to use to safely and legally cross the road. Here is everything you need to know about UK pedestrian crossings and the different types of crossings you will expect to see.
A Zebra Crossing is a black and white striped road marking which gives pedestrians the right to cross the road using the crossing. The official Highway Code states drivers approaching the crossing must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing. However, it also states pedestrians should remain on the curbside or pavement for their own safety until approaching vehicles have stopped. Zebra crossings are usually used on roads which are 30 miles per hour or less.
A Pelican Crossing is a crossing that is controlled by traffic lights. Pedestrians can cross the crossing when the “green man” flashes and pedestrians can press a button and this will eventually make the traffic stop, so the pedestrian can safely cross the road or street. However, pedestrians should never cross the road when the “red man” shows, as road traffic is not required to stop in this case to let pedestrians cross the road.
Whilst pelican crossings use flashing amber signals for drivers, puffin crossings do not do this. This means motorists won’t be tempted to drive on when people are potentially still on the road. Puffin crossings are supposed to be easier for pedestrians to use and easier for drivers too, this is because the sensors at the crossing can efficiently cancel the pedestrian demand if it detects it’s no longer needed, for instance, if a pedestrian has crossed the road without needing to wait for the green pedestrian signal.
Toucan Crossing is called Toucan because it literally means “two-can” cross the road at the same time, meaning pedestrians and cyclists can cross the same crossing at once. You will see many Toucan crossings, particularly in urban areas and city centres, so this is a crossing to look out for when you are walking around or driving in a busy city.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
The Pegasus Crossing is very similar to the Toucan Crossing, as pedestrians and cyclists can use this crossing, but this time horse riders can also use the crossing and horse riders even press a button to make traffic come to a halt so they and their horse can safely cross the road.
Can I park my car at a pedestrian crossing?
It is illegal to park your car on white zigzag lines near a pedestrian crossing. So you cannot legally park your car at a pedestrian crossing.
Does a pedestrian have right of way at a zebra crossing?
This is a question that many pedestrians and motorists ask. According to the official rules of the Highway Code, drivers of the road should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and they must give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.
Are there cameras at pedestrian crossings?
Whilst there are no cameras typically at zebra crossings, there are sometimes cameras placed at crossings that involve traffic lights, as this can show the authorities if a driver has driven through a red light, which is completely illegal.
What will happen if I accidentally drive through a red light?
If you are caught on camera or by police driving through a red light, you will face a fine and in some cases you may receive a driving ban. You need to make sure you never take the risk of driving through a red light as it is illegal and you will put yours and other road users and pedestrians safety at risk.
What are crosswalks called in the UK?
Crosswalks as they are called in American English are known in the United Kingdom as pedestrian crossings.
We hope you have found our article on everything you need to know about UK pedestrian crossings useful. Here at Exchange My Car we assist with part exchange and selling cars. If you are a road user or you are about to become a road user, it is important that you fully understand the rules of the Highway Code and how pedestrian crossings work, so you can use them safely and legally.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
Replacing the cambelt in the right intervals is an essential step of responsible car maintenance. There can be a lot of work involved in this, which means it’s often one of the most expensive, too. When the time comes to get a quote for this service, you may wonder what a fair timing belt replacement […]
Growing environmental concerns resulted in the creation of low emissions zones in major cities across Europe, and London is no exception. Before you venture into England’s thriving capital, you should know if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not. This will allow you to plan alternatives, or budget accordingly. Today, we’ll explore what the ULEZ […]
Are you planning a big family vacation to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. UK travellers can benefit a lot from understanding the new car rental procedures overseas. That’s precisely what we’re going to do today. We’re about to share […]
Electric cars are getting more and more popular among car buyers in the UK. Whether you already own an EV or are planning to buy one, you might still be unsure as to how long does it take to charge an electric car. Don’t worry, we got your back. After reading this article, you’ll know […]
In the UK, any car that drives on public roads needs to pass an annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure it remains safe and compliant with regulations. So, knowing when you need to bring your car in for testing is essential to avoid hefty fines or penalties. If you recently bought a new […]
Nobody likes having car problems, and few things are more inconvenient than breaking down on the side of the road. Knowing what are the most reliable cars you can buy will help you make an informed decision and have a trouble-free experience. But how do you quantify reliability? Defects and failures are part of car […]
Keeping your car seats spotless is essential to conserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. Cleaning the seats can also improve your driving comfort by getting rid of stale odours, for example, to remove vape smell from the car. Are you looking for a practical, hands-on guide on how to clean car seats? […]
Insurance costs make up a significant part of car ownership expenses, especially for younger drivers. Choosing a car that is cheap to insure can lead to considerable savings in the long term. If you are a budget-conscious buyer and want to know what the best cheap cars to insure in the UK are, you have […]
Who isn’t worried that a thief may strike and deprive you of your pride and joy? No matter how much your car is worth, nobody wants the trouble of having their property stolen. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this, and that is to install a car tracker. These sophisticated devices aren’t just about theft […]
Whether you are a resident of the United Kingdom or visiting from abroad, renting a car is a great option to give you the freedom you need for your travels. While this is normally a simple process, young drivers looking to rent a car face a unique set of challenges before they can get behind […]
A semi-automatic car, also referred to as a semi-auto or an automated manual transmission (AMT) vehicle, merges the features of both manual and automatic transmissions. The unique aspect of semi-automatic cars is their ability to function like an automatic vehicle, while also offering the driver the option to manually change gears without the need for […]
Are you looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a big purchase? Your car might just hold the key to achieving those financial goals. There are many ways to earn money from your car besides working as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will […]
If you are planning to sell your car, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever before to advertise your vehicle online. From classified ads to social media, you have a lot of options to reach potential buyers and sell your car quickly. In today’s modern world, most car buyers have […]
If you’re looking to buy a car you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback” quite a few times which is often confused with other types of cars. So what exactly is a hatchback car? And how does it differ from other types of cars? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Hatchback Vehicle? […]
If you’re in the market for buying or selling a used car, understanding car categories can be helpful. One such category is Cat D, or Category D, cars. These are vehicles that have been previously classified as “damaged” but have since been repaired and made roadworthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into the details […]
When it comes to purchasing a car, the outright cash purchase is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of available finance options. In today’s market, car buyers are presented with an assortment of car finance solutions, each with its unique advantages and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a business owner in […]
When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors is its mileage. Mileage refers to the distance that a vehicle has travelled since it was first manufactured. The lower the mileage, the newer and more reliable a car is presumed to be. But what exactly is considered good mileage for […]
A few years back diesel cars were the popular choice among car buyers, but recently in the past few years the scenario has changed. With stricter emission norms and increased environmental concerns, diesel cars are facing criticism and have been banned in many cities around the world. This has led many people to question whether […]
A crossover car, often seen as a perfect blend between a hatchback’s compactness and an SUV’s rugged capability, occupies a sweet spot in the automotive market. It’s designed for those who seek the comfort and efficiency of a smaller car, but crave the space and versatility typically found in something bigger. In this blog, we […]
During the unpredictable winter months driving on icy roads can be quite risky even for the most experienced drivers. The treacherously slick surfaces, the impaired visibility due to falling snow or fog, and the unpredictability of other road users all combine to create an environment that commands utmost respect and caution. The risks associated with […]