What is a Pelican crossing
What is a pelican crossing?
A Pelican crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic lights. The name originally came from PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled crossing. You can recognise one by the traffic lights for drivers, the red and green pedestrian signals on the opposite side of the road, and the push-button control pedestrians use when they want to cross.
When a pedestrian presses the button, the traffic lights do not necessarily change immediately. After a short period, drivers are shown an amber light, followed by a red light, which means they must stop. Pedestrians then receive a green figure telling them that they can cross.
Pelican crossing flashing amber light
The important Pelican crossing feature for your theory test is the flashing amber light. After the red light, drivers are shown a flashing amber signal. If pedestrians are still crossing, you must give way and wait. You must not move off until they have safely cleared your path.
If the crossing is completely clear while the amber light is flashing, you may proceed with caution. This is different from an ordinary steady amber traffic light, where you should stop unless you have already crossed the stop line or are so close that stopping could cause an accident. Remember: flashing amber at a Pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing.