The Pelican Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1987

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Instrument)

This Instrument revokes and re-enacts with amendments the provisions of the “Pelican” Pedestrian Crossing Regulations and General Directions 1969 and the “Pelican” Pedestrian Crossings (Amendment) Regulations and General Directions 1979.

The changes of substance to the “Pelican” Pedestrian Crossing Regulations 1969 (as amended) are as follows:

1. The permitted variations in certain dimensions are increased (regulation 4 and Schedule 2).

2. Provision is made for zig-zag markings to be placed on the carriageway in the vicinity of a “Pelican” crossing for the purpose of making that carriageway a “Pelican” controlled area in relation to a “Pelican” crossing (Schedule 2, paragraphs 5 to 8).

3. Regulation 5 provides that certain apparatus may be housed in a box attached to the post or structure on which the vehicular light signals are mounted.

4. Regulation 6 provides that certain traffic signs may be placed as additional traffic signs at or near a “Pelican” crossing. Regulation 10 prescribes their significance.

5. Provision is made that the prohibition on proceeding when the vehicular light signals show a red light and the requirement for precedence for pedestrians when the signals show a flashing amber light apply if the primary signal is operating without the secondary signal and the secondary signal is operating without the primary signal (regulations 8, 16 and 17 together with the definition of vehicular light signal in article 3(2) in Part I of this Instrument). “Primary signal” and “secondary signal” are defined in article 3(2) in Part I. Provision is made that the prohibitions on proceeding beyond the stop line when the vehicular light signals are showing red or steady amber apply, if the stop line is not visible, as prohibitions on proceeding beyond the post or other structure on which the primary signal is mounted (regulations 8(1)(b) and (c) and 16). There is an exemption (regulation 8(1)(d)) for emergency services vehicles.

6. When the vehicular light signal is showing a flashing amber light and likewise when the pedestrian light signal is showing a flashing green light a pedestrian has precedence over vehicles if he is on the carriageway or a central reservation within the limits of the crossing, but not if he is on a central reservation which lies between two crossings which form part of a system of staggered crossings (regulations 8(1)(a), 9(2)(c) and 17). “Central reservation” and “system of staggered crossings” are defined in article 3(2) in Part I.

7. Regulation 12 prohibits vehicles (other than certain pedal cycles) from stopping in “Pelican” controlled areas, subject to the exceptions in regulations 13 and 14, and, in relation to “Pelican” crossings in existence before these Regulations come into operation, subject also to regulation 15.

8. Regulation 19 introduces a prohibition against the overtaking in a “Pelican” controlled area of another moving or stationary vehicle by drivers of vehicles proceeding towards a “Pelican” crossing.

9. Regulation 20 modifies the prohibition as to overtaking a stationary vehicle in the case of a system of staggered crossings.

10. As from 18th February 1989 the manner of indicating the vehicular approaches to a “Pelican” crossing and the requirements with respect to the stopping of vehicles on the approach to a “Pelican” crossing will cease to have effect (regulation 3 and Schedule 2, paragraph 3). Instead of studs, zig-zag lines will have to be used.

11. The device which is used by pedestrians to activate the sequence of signals may be a pressure pad as well as a push button (Schedule 1, para 4(2)). There is also provision for the indicator for pedestrians to include a device for making tactile signals (Schedule 1, para 4(4)).

12. Provision is made that on two-way roads hatched markings may be placed on the carriageway where there is a central reservation, but such a marking must be provided where the central reservation connects two crossings which form part of a system of staggered crossings (Schedule 2, paragraph 6(3) and diagram 3). Chevron markings in place of hatched markings are to be used in similar situations in one-way streets (Schedule 2, paragraph 7(3) and diagram 6).

13. The provision to omit the stop line (formerly contained in paragraphs 5 and 9 of Schedule 2 to the 1969 Regulations) is discontinued, and the stop line becomes mandatory in all cases.

Apart from the changes of substance mentioned above, Schedule 2, which prescribes the manner of indicating the presence and limits of a “Pelican” crossing, is redrafted so that reference is made to diagrams and so as to include the manner of indicating the presence and limits of a “Pelican” controlled area.

Regulation 2(3) provides a saving provision whereby “Pelican” crossings established before the coming into operation of these Regulations shall continue to be constituted as “Pelican” crossings if they complied with the 1969 Regulations. And regulation 3(4) provides a saving provision for approaches to “Pelican” crossings until 18th February 1989.

The changes of substance to the “Pelican” Pedestrian Crossings General Directions 1969 as amended are as follows:

1. The General Directions provide that vehicular light signals shall be placed either as primary or as secondary signals (direction 2).

2. Direction 4 makes provision for the placing of the additional traffic signs referred to in regulation 6.

3. The requirement formerly contained in the amended paragraph 6(1) of the 1969 Directions for approval of the Secretary of State to the use of signals which operate with the alternative phasing specified in Table 2 in Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Regulations is discontinued.