Newcastle Pedestrian Crossings: Do You Know Them All?

Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan - Britain's collection of oddly named pedestrian crossings can be surprisingly confusing, particularly when some look similar from behind the wheel.

The differences matter. Some crossings allow cyclists to ride across, some use sensors to detect pedestrians and others rely on motorists giving way without traffic lights at all.

Pedestrian safety remains a serious issue on British roads. Department for Transport figures show 19,176 pedestrian casualties were reported across Great Britain during 2024, including 5,823 people seriously injured and 409 killed. Pedestrians accounted for around 15% of all reported road casualties that year.

So, what exactly is the difference between the crossings Newcastle and North East road users encounter every day?

Zebra crossings.

Probably Britain's most recognisable pedestrian crossing, a Zebra uses alternating black and white stripes across the road, zig-zag markings and flashing amber Belisha beacons.

There are no conventional traffic lights or red and green pedestrian figures.

Under the Highway Code, drivers and cyclists should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and must give way once somebody has moved onto the crossing. Motorists must not park on a crossing or its zig-zag markings. Newcastle City Council warns that vehicles parked in these areas can receive a Penalty Charge Notice.

Pelican crossings.

Pelican crossings were once an extremely familiar sight on Britain's roads and are operated using a pedestrian push button.

The pedestrian signal traditionally appears on the opposite side of the road. A steady green figure tells pedestrians they can cross after checking traffic has stopped, while a flashing green figure means pedestrians should not begin crossing.

Drivers may recognise a Pelican by its flashing amber traffic-light phase. During that phase, motorists must give way to anybody still crossing but can proceed cautiously if the crossing is clear.

Pelicans are now effectively an ageing species. Government guidance confirms that new Pelican crossings are no longer being installed, although existing examples remain in use.

Puffin crossings.

Puffins are the more technologically advanced replacement for Pelican crossings.

The name comes from Pedestrian User-Friendly INtelligent crossing, and their defining feature is the use of sensors. These can detect pedestrians and adjust crossing time according to how long somebody needs to get across. They can even cancel a request if the person who pressed the button walks away.

Unlike a Pelican, the red and green pedestrian symbols are normally positioned beside the push button rather than across the road. There is also no flashing green pedestrian or flashing amber vehicle phase.

Puffins are particularly relevant to Newcastle right now. Newcastle City Council plans to replace the pedestrian refuge near High Gosforth Park and Newcastle Racecourse on Great North Road with a signal-controlled Puffin crossing. Another new Puffin is proposed on Great North Road between Graham Park Road and The Poplars.

Toucan crossings.

The easiest way to remember a Toucan crossing is the phrase "two can cross".

These crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike Zebra, Pelican and Puffin crossings, cyclists do not have to dismount and push their bikes across a Toucan.

They are light-controlled and usually display pedestrian and bicycle symbols. The Highway Code confirms cyclists and pedestrians receive the green signal together and cyclists are permitted to ride across.

That makes Toucans particularly useful where cycle routes cross busy roads.

What is a Pegasus crossing.

One of the least familiar crossings is intended for a very different road user - horse riders.

Often called Pegasus or equestrian crossings, these provide a wider crossing space and horse-and-rider symbols. Controls can be positioned higher than normal so somebody sitting on horseback can reach them.

The Highway Code specifically warns cyclists not to ride across equestrian crossings because they are intended for horse riders.

Why Newcastle's crossings are changing.

Pedestrian crossings are becoming increasingly intelligent, but technology cannot remove every risk.

Newcastle City Council's current Great North Road proposals demonstrate how crossing design forms part of wider road safety planning. Alongside new Puffin crossings, proposals through Gosforth include an extension of the 20mph limit.

There is also a simple rule motorists should remember regardless of whether they encounter a Puffin, Pelican, Toucan or another signal-controlled crossing. The Highway Code says drivers should give way to anyone still crossing after their vehicle signal changes to green.

For pedestrians, understanding the different signals is equally important. Britain's animal-themed crossings may sound quirky, but each has been designed for a particular purpose - and knowing the difference could make everyone's journey safer.

Share your comments below.

Do you know which type of pedestrian crossing you use most often in Newcastle or the North East?