What is a Puffin crossing?

A Puffin crossing is a type of traffic light-controlled road crossing which requires pedestrians to push a button to request to cross the road. 

Puffin crossings look and have a similar functionality to Pelican crossing, but there are some key differences to be aware of. Pedestrians will still see a black and yellow box with a button on it, and drivers will see normal traffic lights, but puffin crossings do not have the green and red man mounted high up on the traffic light pole.

Instead, the red and green man pedestrian crossing symbols on a Puffin crossing are displayed on the yellow and black box above the crossing demand button.

Unlike other traffic light-controlled crossings, Puffin crossings use ‘smart’ sensors that are able to detect pedestrians waiting to cross. They also adjust signal timings as needed to ensure there is enough time to cross safely.

Puffin crossing rules and how to use one

Puffin crossings are slightly different to other traffic light pedestrian crossings, so it’s important to understand how they operate for different road users.

Pedestrians

Puffin crossings give pedestrians priority by using both push buttons and ‘smart’ sensors to detect when someone is waiting to use the crossing.

To activate a Puffin crossing, simply push the button when you want to cross the road. Puffin crossings use red and green signals placed on the same side as the pedestrians to indicate when it is safe, or not, to cross. You will need to wait for the green man to appear on the black and yellow box. 

Once the green man illuminates, you are permitted to cross. Puffin crossings also have audible crossing signals for those who suffer from visual impairment.

The traffic lights will stay red for vehicles until the sensors detect that everyone is safely off of the road.

Drivers

Puffin crossing lights will stay green for vehicles if there is no pedestrian waiting at the crossing, this is designed to aid traffic flow.

As soon as a pedestrian approaches a Puffin crossing and presses the button, the traffic lights will change in quick succession from green, to steady amber and then finally to red.

As the sensors are designed to detect pedestrians on the crossing and hold the traffic lights on red for as long as necessary, the light sequence once everyone has made it to the other side is slightly different to Pelican crossings.

While Pelican crossings utilise flashing amber signals for drivers, Puffin crossings do not due to the sensors. This means the traffic lights will instead go through the standard cycle of red, red and amber, then green. You must wait for a green light before setting off.

Pedestrian crossings explained

Click the links below to learn about other types of pedestrian crossings in the UK.

• Zebra crossing
• Pelican crossing
• Puffin crossing
• Toucan crossing
• Pegasus crossing
• Staggered crossing

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