Puffin Crossings

Puffin and Toucan Crossings

Puffin and Toucan crossings are types of pedestrian crossings that use traffic lights to stop vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross.

Puffin Crossings

Puffin crossings are a modern crossing design that have the following features:

• A pedestrian demand button and pedestrian signal (green/red man) in the same place, on a pole at the near side of the road.
• Dropped kerbs at both ends of the crossing with tactile paving where the pavement slopes towards the road.
• Sensors to detect if there are pedestrians waiting at the side of the road to cross.
• A sensor to extend the crossing time if necessary.

Puffin crossings are similar to Pelican crossings, but they have several advantages:

• They are safer because they do not have a flashing amber phase.
• They are more user-friendly because they give pedestrians a clear signal of when to cross.
• They can help to maintain vehicle traffic flow in busy pedestrian areas.

Toucan Crossings

Toucan crossings are similar to Puffin crossings, but they are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. They have the following features:

• A pedestrian demand button and pedestrian signal (green/red man) in the same place, on a pole at the near side of the road.
• Dropped kerbs at both ends of the crossing with tactile paving where the pavement slopes towards the road.
• Sensors to detect if there are pedestrians or cyclists waiting at the side of the road to cross.
• A sensor to extend the crossing time if necessary.
• A bicycle symbol on the pedestrian signal.

Toucan crossings offer the same advantages as Puffin crossings, but they also allow cyclists to cross without having to dismount.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Puffin and Toucan Crossings

Advantages

• Safer than Zebra crossings because they have a red light for vehicle users when pedestrians are crossing.
• More user-friendly than Zebra crossings because they give pedestrians a clear signal of when to cross.
• Can help to maintain vehicle traffic flow in busy pedestrian areas.

Disadvantages

• More expensive than Zebra crossings.
• Pedestrians must wait for the signal before crossing, which may take longer than crossing at a Zebra crossing.
• Pedestrians may walk into the road when the signal changes without checking vehicle traffic has come to a complete stop.
• May be less attractive than other crossing types, which are less obtrusive in smaller streets with narrow pavements.
• Other pedestrians may obscure the view of the pedestrian crossing light located on the nearside of the road.

Restrictions

• Puffin and Toucan crossings cannot be installed within 20 metres of a junction or roundabout.
• Traffic light signals must be visible to approaching vehicles.
• The beeping sound heard at Puffin crossings may cause a noise problem for any nearby houses.

Cost of Installation

The cost of installing a Puffin or Toucan crossing varies depending on the specific site. However, it is typically more expensive than installing a Zebra crossing.

Conclusion

Puffin and Toucan crossings are a safe and user-friendly way for pedestrians to cross the road. They can help to maintain vehicle traffic flow in busy pedestrian areas, and they are an attractive option for smaller streets with narrow pavements. However, they are more expensive than Zebra crossings, and pedestrians must wait for the signal before crossing.

Call 0800 29 800 29 or WhatsApp +44 7901 558 530 or email info@claimtoday.com

Claim Today have been assisting clients since 1999 the claim time is now

Accident or Injury Claim Today Backing you 100% since 1999