| 9 October 2006
Signalised facilities, such as the Pelican crossing, have been used on our roads for a number of years. However, research indicates that many people do not fully understand how these signals work, which can lead to confusion and also accidents.
To improve this situation The Department of Transport has developed a new type of crossing …….The Puffin! The Puffin now provides the basis for a standardised form of signalling at all crossings; crossings for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. The Puffin improves on existing crossings as it allows more time for pedestrians to cross when they need it but also improves traffic flow as any unwanted pedestrian demands are cancelled.
A Puffin crossing differs from a Pelican crossing in several respects:
- The red man / green man indicator is positioned above the push button. This means that the pedestrian can see the traffic and the red man / green man at the same time. When the green man is illuminated, it is safe to start to cross the road. There may also be a bleeping sound to assist the visually impaired. Some push button units are also fitted with a tactile knob under the unit which rotates when the green man is illuminated.
- The Puffin crossing has detectors which will extend the time available for pedestrians to cross the road and a further set of detectors will cancel the demand for the crossing if the pedestrian moves away from the crossing area.
- Zig-zag markings are laid on both the approaches and the exits to the crossing. The zig-zags ban waiting or parking, prohibit vehicles from overtaking each other and warn pedestrians of the increased risk of crossing in the zig-zag area.
To ensure that the maximum benefits are achieved from the Puffin crossing, for all road users, the Department of Transport and The County Surveyors Society have jointly developed The Puffin Good Practice Guide. The guide is targeted at decision makers who select crossings, safety auditors, as well as offering best practice guidance to designers, installers and maintainers. Advice is also included for those who arrange publicity and undertake training for schools and other groups.
Graham Dunhill, Chairman of the CSS Transport & Environment Committee, says of the guide, "The guide will ensure there is a consistent approach to the provision of crossings with signal controls and encouragement to develop a business case approach. Technical data is also covered and the guide provides a frequently asked question/answer section which will appeal to practitioners responsible for providing safe crossing facilities.
Pedestrians should no longer feel intimated by signal displays, as more time can be allowed, should they be detected in the process of crossing the road. Drivers will also benefit, as the unwanted pedestrian phases will not occur."
The official launch of The Puffin Good Practice Guide took place at the JCT symposium, on 21st Sept 2006.
ends
Media contacts: Barrie Hedges or Vicky Walker, Daybreak Communications 0845 644 3845; mob 07899 923756; barrie.hedges@daybreakcomm.co.uk; vicky.walker@daybreakcomm.co.uk
Notes to editors:
1 The Puffin Good Practice Guide and a short film on using Puffin Crossings are on a DVD which can be obtained free of charge from PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7NB. It can also be downloaded from the Department for Transport’s website (http://www.dft.gov.uk) and County Surveyors’ Society website (http://www.cssnet.org.uk)
2 The County Surveyors Society (CSS) represents local authority chief officers who manage some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. The expertise of CSS members and their vision is paramount in dealing with fundamental issues that affect all our lives including transport and travel, managing waste, designing future living environments.
3 The CSS membership is drawn from all four corners of the United Kingdom. Its members are responsible for:
- providing professional services for three quarters of the road network
- two thirds of the land area
- just under half the population of England and Wales.
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Membership