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

• Report a problem with a crossing or traffic signal
• Report a problem with street lighting
• Request a new crossing or traffic signal
• iTravel York