Pelican Crossing vs. Puffin Crossing

Attribute	Pelican Crossing	Puffin Crossing
Controlled by	Signal control	Signal control
Location	Usually found on busy roads	Usually found on busy roads
Signal display	Standard traffic lights	LED signal display
Signal timing	Fixed timing	Adaptive timing
Push-button	Usually present	Always present
Signal for pedestrians	Green man/red man	Walking person/flashing red hand
Signal for vehicles	Green light/red light	Green light/red light
Pedestrian detection	Not always present	Usually present

Introduction

Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing are two common types of pedestrian crossings found on roads. These crossings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians by providing designated areas for them to cross busy roads. While both types of crossings serve the same purpose, they differ in terms of their design, functionality, and features. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Design

Pelican Crossing is an older design that features a set of traffic lights, a push-button control unit, and a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. The lights are positioned on the opposite side of the road from the pedestrian, allowing them to easily see the signal. When the pedestrian presses the button, the lights change to red, indicating that vehicles must stop, and pedestrians can safely cross. Once the crossing time is over, the lights change back to green, allowing vehicles to proceed.

Puffin Crossing, on the other hand, is a more modern design that incorporates advanced technology. It uses sensors to detect the presence of pedestrians waiting to cross and adjusts the crossing time accordingly. The lights are positioned on the same side as the pedestrian, making it easier for them to see the signal. Puffin Crossings also feature an LED display that shows the remaining crossing time, ensuring pedestrians are aware of how much time they have left to cross.

Functionality

Both Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing function as signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, providing a safe way for pedestrians to cross busy roads. However, there are some differences in their functionality. Pelican Crossings rely on the push-button control unit, requiring pedestrians to press the button to activate the crossing signal. This can sometimes lead to delays if pedestrians forget to press the button or if the button is not functioning properly.

Puffin Crossings, on the other hand, use sensors to detect the presence of pedestrians waiting to cross. This eliminates the need for pedestrians to press a button, making the crossing more convenient and efficient. The sensors ensure that the crossing time is adjusted based on the number of pedestrians waiting, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic and reducing unnecessary waiting times.

Features

When it comes to features, both Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing offer certain advantages. Pelican Crossings often include a tactile rotating cone, known as a rotating cone tactile, which helps visually impaired pedestrians locate the push-button control unit. This feature enhances accessibility and ensures that visually impaired individuals can easily identify the crossing point.

Puffin Crossings, on the other hand, have additional features that enhance safety and convenience. The LED display on the pedestrian signal provides real-time information about the remaining crossing time, allowing pedestrians to make informed decisions. Puffin Crossings also have infra-red sensors that detect pedestrians who may be slower or require more time to cross, automatically extending the crossing time to accommodate their needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Both Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Pelican Crossings are a familiar sight on many roads, and their design is well understood by both drivers and pedestrians. The push-button control unit allows pedestrians to activate the crossing when needed, ensuring that traffic flow is not unnecessarily interrupted. However, the reliance on the push-button can sometimes lead to delays if pedestrians forget to press it or if the button is not functioning correctly.

Puffin Crossings, on the other hand, offer several advantages over Pelican Crossings. The use of sensors eliminates the need for pedestrians to press a button, making the crossing more convenient and efficient. The LED display provides real-time information about the crossing time, enhancing pedestrian awareness. Additionally, the infra-red sensors of Puffin Crossings ensure that pedestrians with special needs are accommodated, making the crossing more inclusive. However, the advanced technology of Puffin Crossings may be more expensive to install and maintain compared to Pelican Crossings.

Conclusion

Pelican Crossing and Puffin Crossing are two types of pedestrian crossings that serve the same purpose of ensuring pedestrian safety on busy roads. While Pelican Crossings are an older design, Puffin Crossings incorporate advanced technology to enhance functionality and convenience. Both types of crossings have their own advantages and disadvantages, with Pelican Crossings being more familiar and cost-effective, while Puffin Crossings offer additional features and inclusivity. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on various factors, including the road's characteristics, pedestrian needs, and budget considerations.