The local South Yorkshire councils provide and maintain pedestrian crossings in locations where it is likely that pedestrians may need to cross roads, for example at major road junctions, near shopping areas and outside schools.

To encourage people to walk and to improve safety, the councils are installing pedestrian crossings at more locations than ever before.

Different Types of Crossing

Pelican (Pedestrian Light Controlled 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. Alternatively 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, as the newer Puffin crossings provide a better facility for pedestrians.

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. However, pedestrians must make sure that all the traffic has stopped before crossing and 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 and that, in some cases, Zebras are safer.

Toucan Crossings (Two-Can Cross)

These crossings are provided for pedestrians and cyclists, 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.

Pedestrian Refuges

In some locations, where a pedestrian crossing cannot be justified, a pedestrian refuge (traffic island) may be placed. These narrow the road and allow pedestrians to cross in two halves with a safe place to wait in the middle. Pedestrians should cross with care as drivers have priority at traffic islands.

To request a new pedestrian crossing please contact your local council, web links to each of the 4 councils of South Yorkshire can be found on the index page of this website.