Pelican crossings have far-side pedestrian signals and a flashing phase. Puffin signals are beside you, with sensors and no flashing amber for drivers.
The difference at a glance
A pelican crossing has pedestrian signals on the far side and flashing phases: flashing green for pedestrians, and flashing amber for drivers. A puffin crossing puts the pedestrian signal beside you and uses sensors to manage the crossing; it has neither of those flashing phases. [1] [2] [3]
This comparison covers standard standalone crossings in Great Britain. Start by identifying whose signal you are reading: a green pedestrian figure and an amber traffic light give instructions to different road users.
| Feature | Pelican | Puffin |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian signal | Across the road, on the far side | Beside the waiting pedestrian, above the push-button box [1] [2] |
| Pedestrian flashing green | Yes: do not start crossing | No flashing green [1] [2] |
| Driver flashing amber | Yes: give way to anyone on the crossing | None: wait for green and a clear way [2] [3] |
| Pedestrian detection | Uses its signal-controlled sequence | Sensors detect movement, adjust time and can cancel an unused call [2] |
| Shared rule | Drivers must stop at red | Drivers must stop at red too [2] [3] |
Press the button and wait for the steady green pedestrian figure. Check that traffic has stopped before crossing carefully. If the green figure starts flashing while you are still on the pavement, do not start. If you are already crossing, you should have time to finish safely. [1]
For drivers, red means stop. During flashing amber, you must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. Only when there are none may you proceed cautiously. A straight pelican crossing divided by an island counts as one crossing: watch for people coming from the other side of the island too. [3]
The red and green figures are above the control box on your side of the road, positioned so that you can face approaching traffic while watching the signal. Press the button and wait for green. There is no flashing green figure to interpret. [1] [2]
Sensors detect people crossing and can vary the time provided. They can also cancel a pedestrian call if the person walks away. Do not infer a fixed number of seconds from the crossing’s name. [2]
This is a sequence explanation, not a timed simulation. For drivers there is no puffin flashing-amber phase. [1] [2] [3]
If a puffin’s red pedestrian figure appears just as you are about to start, wait and use the button again. If you were already crossing, the traffic remains held during the clearance period. Drivers must give way to anyone still crossing even when their traffic signal turns green. [2] [3]
Imagine you are stopped at a pelican crossing. The vehicle signal changes to flashing amber, but a pedestrian is still crossing towards your side. Continue waiting. The flashing amber has not removed your duty to give way. If the crossing becomes empty, you may proceed cautiously. [3]
At a puffin, do not look for that amber opportunity: there is no flashing-amber phase. Wait for the green traffic signal and ensure the way is clear. This distinction changes what the driver does, not just where a pedestrian sees a light. [2] [3]
Wait; do not start crossing. Flashing green is for people already crossing to finish, not for a late start. [1]
The driver must give way. Proceeding cautiously is allowed only when no pedestrians are on the crossing. [3]
Keep crossing carefully. The red figure prevents new starts; the clearance period holds traffic for people already crossing. [2]
No. Drivers must give way to anyone still crossing after their signal turns green. [3]
Do not generalise. The rule described here concerns a pelican crossing going straight across the road with a central island. Other layouts need their own signals and instructions. [3]
Sources checked on 11 October 2026. Worked examples and exercises were written for this article.
AI tools assisted with drafting and the featured editorial illustration. The illustration is not a photograph, measurement or test result. Claims were checked against the linked sources; no independent human expert review is claimed.
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