You’ve stopped at a pelican crossing. What should you do if a disabled person is crossing slowly in front of you and the lights change to green?
Keeping all people safe should be your first priority as a driver/rider. Disabled people are especially at risk when it comes to crossing the road.
If they are crossing, wait for them to finish. The green light at a pelican crossing indicates that you may proceed as long as the crossing is unobstructed. If someone hasn’t finished crossing yet, be patient and wait for them, regardless of whether they’re disabled or not.
What are pelican crossings?
England has some of the weirdest crossing names in the world. No wonder some people don’t know the difference between them.
Pelican crossings are light-controlled crossings where the pedestrian controls the lights with push buttons. They do not have a red-and-amber stage period prior to the green light. Instead, they feature a flashing amber light that indicates that you must yield to people on the crossing but may drive across if the crossing is clear.
Pelican crossings may be straight or staggered
Straight pelican crossings
Even if there is a central refuge, a pelican crossing that goes straight across the road is one crossing. You must wait for individuals to enter the sanctuary from the other side.
Staggered pelican crossings
The crossings are separate if the crossings on each side of the central refuge are not in line.
Studs designate the crossing area, and a ‘stop’ line indicates where automobiles should halt if necessary.
