Types of pedestrian crossings in the UK
There are five main types of pedestrian crossing in the UK, each identified by its equipment and signals. Knowing which type you are approaching tells you what signals to expect, who has priority, and what the law requires you to do as a driver.
Earn points and use them to save money in the app. Download today.
Zebra crossings
A zebra crossing is identified by its black and white painted stripes across the road and a flashing amber Belisha beacon on each side. There are no traffic lights - the system relies on drivers giving way when a pedestrian is on or waiting to cross.
Pedestrians do not need to wait for a signal. Once someone has stepped onto the crossing, drivers must stop and give way - this is a legal requirement. The Highway Code also says drivers should give way to a pedestrian waiting at the kerb, but that's advisory rather than a strict legal duty; good practice is to slow and be ready to stop regardless.
Cyclists must also give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings. Zigzag lines on each approach to a zebra crossing prohibit overtaking and parking - driving past the leading vehicle in a queue at a zebra crossing is an offence.
Pelican crossings
A pelican crossing (Pedestrian Light Controlled crossing) uses traffic lights on each approach and a push-button panel for pedestrians. When the pedestrian presses the button, the lights eventually sequence to red for traffic and a green man for pedestrians.
The pelican is distinguished by its flashing green man and flashing amber phases. When the green man starts flashing, pedestrians already on the crossing should complete their crossing but new pedestrians should wait. Drivers face a flashing amber light at the same point, which means they may proceed if the crossing is clear.
Puffin crossings
A puffin crossing (Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent crossing) looks similar to a pelican but works differently. Sensors above the traffic lights detect pedestrians waiting to cross and pedestrians on the crossing itself. The red man stays on until the crossing is clear, and the lights return to green once no pedestrian is detected on the road surface.
There is no flashing green man or flashing amber phase. Drivers face a standard red-amber-green sequence. The smart sensor system reduces unnecessary red light phases when the pedestrian has crossed quickly, making puffin crossings more efficient than pelicans on busy roads.
Toucan crossings
A toucan crossing (Two Can cross) is a shared crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. It is wider than a standard crossing to accommodate cyclists riding across, and the green signal shows both a cyclist and a walking figure. Cyclists do not need to dismount.
Toucan crossings are most commonly found where a dedicated cycle path crosses a road. They operate with the same push-button, sensor-controlled system as a puffin crossing. Drivers face the same standard traffic light sequence and must stop at red.
Pegasus crossings
A pegasus crossing, also called an equestrian crossing, is used where a bridle path or horse route crosses a road. The push-button panel is mounted higher than on a standard crossing - at a height reachable from horseback. The signal shows a horse and rider rather than a walking figure.
Pegasus crossings are less common than other types and are most often found on rural roads or near equestrian centres. Drivers approaching a pegasus crossing should also watch for horses at the roadside, not just on the crossing itself, as horses may not cross promptly even when the signal shows.
What drivers must do at all crossings
At any pedestrian crossing, the rules are the same in principle: give way to pedestrians who have the right of way, do not park on the crossing or on the zigzag approach lines, and do not overtake a stationary or slowing vehicle on the approach to a crossing.
The 2022 Highway Code update also clarified that drivers turning into a road must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross that road, even outside a marked crossing. Pedestrian priority at junctions is covered in a separate guide.
Crossings and the driving test
Every type of crossing appears on the driving test. Examiners look for correct responses: slowing for a pedestrian at the kerb near a zebra, stopping at red signals, not blocking crossings when traffic is heavy, and not becoming impatient at a puffin crossing where the red is held longer than expected because sensors have detected a slow pedestrian. The UK driving test explained covers how common road situations are assessed.
Cover for learner drivers and newly-passed drivers
If you are preparing for your test or recently passed, learner driver insurance and temporary car insurance both let you practise or drive in your own right on a car you do not own - useful when you want to build experience on routes you will encounter in a test or on the road.
Frequently asked questions
What is a toucan crossing?
A toucan crossing is a shared crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists. The name comes from 'two can cross'. It is wider than a standard crossing and the signal shows both a cyclist and a walking figure. Cyclists do not need to dismount. It works with sensors like a puffin crossing.
What is the difference between a pelican and a puffin crossing?
Both are push-button signal crossings but they work differently. A pelican has a flashing green man and flashing amber phase when the crossing period is ending. A puffin uses sensors to detect pedestrians still on the crossing, keeping the red signal until the road is clear, with no flashing phases.
Do cyclists have to stop at a zebra crossing?
Yes. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing in the same way drivers must. On a toucan crossing, cyclists can ride across when the signal shows, but they do not have right of way on a standard zebra.
What is a pegasus crossing?
A pegasus or equestrian crossing is designed for horses and riders. The push-button panel is mounted at a height reachable from horseback, and the signal shows a horse and rider. They are found where bridleways cross roads, most commonly in rural areas.
What are the zigzag lines near pedestrian crossings for?
The zigzag lines on each approach to a crossing are a controlled zone where you must not park, stop or overtake. Their purpose is to keep the crossing visible from both directions. Driving past a stationary or slowing vehicle in the zigzag zone is an offence.
Temporary insurance quote
Get a price in under 60 seconds!