Different types of crossing?

Question

What is the difference between the following types of crossing:

- Toucan

- Pelican

- Puffin

- Zebra

I am soon taking my theory test anyone have any tips?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

Toucan

Crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path (Cyclists are not allowed to cross the road using Zebra, Pelican or Puffin crossings). They have the same signals as Pelicans, but include a green cycle symbol alongside the green man. Toucans can be far-sided or near-sided like a Puffin Crossing and at the latest Toucan crossings the crossing time is established each time by on-crossing detectors in the same way as Puffins. The cost of a Toucan is similar to that of a Puffin.

Pelican

Crossings have red/amber/green signals facing drivers, and red man/green man signal heads on the opposite side of the road to the pedestrians waiting to cross. A pedestrian push button unit operates these. When the red man is lit pedestrians should not cross (although it is not against the law to do so). The Highway Code says that when the steady red signal to traffic is lit then drivers must stop. The green man will then light for pedestrians and they should, having checked that it is safe to do so, cross the road. When the green man begins to flash pedestrians should not start to cross although there is still enough time for those on the crossing to finish their journey safely. At most Pelican crossings there is a bleeping sound to indicate to the visibility impaired when the steady green man is lit. Crossings without these bleepers may be fitted with a tactile rotating k**b under the push button unit, which rotates when the green man is illuminated.

Puffin

Crossings differ from Pelican crossings, as they do not have a flashing green man/flashing amber signal. The overall crossing time is established each time by on-crossing pedestrian detectors. The demand for the crossing is still triggered by the push button unit but kerbside pedestrian detectors are fitted to cancel demands that are no longer required (when a person crosses before the green man lights). At the latest Puffin crossings the red man/green man signals are above the push button unit on the pedestrians' side of the road. This layout encourages pedestrians waiting at the crossing to look at the approaching traffic at the same time as looking at the red man/green man signal. Again there will generally be either bleepers or tactile rotating k***s fitted in the push button unit.

Zebra

Crossings are marked by black and white painted strips across the road and flashing amber beacons. The Highway Code  says that motorists 'must give way when someone has moved onto a crossing'. However, pedestrians should remain on the kerbside for safety's sake until approaching vehicles have stopped. Zebra crossings are cheaper to build than traffic signal controlled crossings although their use on roads where traffic speeds are higher than 35 mph is not recommended.

Answer 2

Read the Highway Code and talk to your driving instructor

Answer 3

It sounds like ucantcme has the answers to that one!

Thank you ucantcme!