PELICAN CROSSING

A pelican crossing (formerly Pelicon Crossing - PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled crossing) is a type of pedestrian crossing. It features a standard set of traffic lights, plus a push button and a further two coloured lamps for pedestrians using the crossing.

The Pelican Crossing was the orignal type of light controlled crossing, introduced in the 1960s. The pedestrian lights are situated on the far side of the road to the pedestrian. A Puffin crossing has the lights on the same side as the pedestrian.

In most countries, these lights for pedestrians are in the image of a "green man" pictured walking, and a "red man" pictured stationary. In the USA these lamps may take the shape of "Walk"/"Don't walk" messages, although pictograms are also seen in some regions. Pelican crossings sometimes have further non-visual indication that it is safe to cross, such as a beep or vibrating button, in order to assist blind or partially sighted pedestrians.