You have to show consideration, respect and courtesy for pedestrians (young, elderly, disabled or people with prams). When you see a crossing in front you must assess the situation and take control of your speed on your approach to pedestrian crossings. There are different types of pedestrian crossing: Zebra, Pelican, Puffin, Toucan, Pegasus, School crossing. In each case, you must try to identify the crossing early. All the crossings are light-controlled and push-button operated except the zebra crossing.
At a crossing, you never signal a pedestrian onto the crossing because it is possible that you may be inviting pedestrians into danger from traffic traveling in the opposite direction. You must not park on a crossing, it means in the area covered by the zigzag lines.
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Zebra crossing
They have no traffic lights. They are a path across a road marked with black and white stripes where pedestrians may cross. Drivers approaching a Zebra crossing are made aware of the crossing because of its black and white poles with flashing yellow light beacons (Belisha Beacons) and zigzag road markings. When drivers see these marks they will have to be prepared to stop and give way to any pedestrians waiting to cross. If you have time, give an arm signal for slowing down in order to let the pedestrians know what you are doing and also warns other cars that you are stopping.
Pelican crossing
They have traffic lights. They have a flashing amber phase during the traffic light sequence which requires drivers to give way to pedestrians on the crossing. However, you may proceed if the crossing is clear.
Toucan crossing
It works in exactly way as Pelican crossings with the difference that there is no flashing amber phase in this case. On Toucan crossings cyclists are permitted to ride across the road. They are designed to be used by pedestrians and cyclists at the same time. Cyclists do not need to dismount.
Pegasus crossing
It is usually used on outside racecourses or areas where horses are trained. The Pegasus crossing is similar to any other light-controlled crossing, but in addition to the provision for pedestrians and/or cyclists, the Pegasus crossing makes special provision for horses.
Puffin crossing
These crossings have automatic sensors mounted on top of the traffic lights which detect when pedestrians want to cross and delay the green light until they have safely reached the other side. When the signals change to red for the traffic, these sensors will sense movement on the crossing and maintain the traffic lights at red until no movement is detected. It has improved crossing conditions for elderly and disabled people by automatically varying the crossing times. The light sequence is the same as a normal traffic light, but they don’t have to flash amber phase.