1. Traffic Light Signals
In most cases, in addition to the primary signals at the stop line, there are duplicate signals, known as secondary signals, located on the opposite side of the junction. If the primary signal is not working, you must obey the secondary signal as if it were the primary signal.
- •RED means STOP. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway until GREEN shows.
- •RED and AMBER also means STOP. Do not pass the stop line until GREEN shows.
- •GREEN means go IF THE WAY IS CLEAR. Take extra care if you intend to turn left or right, and give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
- •AMBER means STOP. You may go on only if the amber appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident.
2. Signals Indicating a Turn
- •Green Arrow: Although you may turn right on a full green signal, a right-turn GREEN ARROW showing at the same time indicates that turning right should be easier. Always check that opposing traffic has stopped before proceeding. If the full green is replaced by an ahead or left-turn arrow, you must wait until the right-turn arrow shows before you turn right.
- •Green arrow with a red signal: If a green arrow is shown with a red signal and the way is clear, you may go, but only in the direction shown by the arrow.
- •Restricted movements: Signs may be placed with signals to qualify the meaning of the full green signal where movements through a junction are restricted.
3. Cycle Signals and Flashing Red Lights
- •Cycle signals: Light signals for the control of pedal cycles use alternative types. RED, AMBER and GREEN have the same meanings as at other traffic signals. A low-level cycle signal may be used as a repeater or as an early release function mounted on the same post as a traffic signal or full-size cycle signal. It may be used on its own to signal segregated cycle movement.
- •Flashing red lights: Alternately flashing red lights mean YOU MUST STOP. In addition to level crossings, these signals may be used at other locations, such as lifting bridges, airfields or fire stations. AMBER has the same meaning as at normal traffic signals.
4. Lane Control Signals
- •Advance Warning Signs:
- •Overhead (Smart Motorway) Signals:
5. Zig-zag Road Markings at Crossings
The zig-zag markings at crossings are there to ensure that drivers and pedestrians can see each other clearly.
- •Drivers: You must not park your vehicle anywhere within these markings (before or after the crossing). You must not overtake a moving motor vehicle within the zig-zag area before the crossing, nor must you overtake a vehicle that has stopped next to the crossing either to obey signals or because pedestrians or cyclists are using a zebra or parallel crossing. If you are in a queue of vehicles that extends over a crossing, you should keep the crossing clear.
- •Pedestrians/Cyclists: Do not cross the road within the area marked by the zig-zags; keep to the crossing.
- •Crossings for cyclists or horse riders also have zig-zag markings, and the above rules apply to these also.
6. Puffin Crossings
The puffin is a type of pedestrian crossing controlled by signals that can detect the movement of pedestrians. The pedestrian crossing time is automatically varied according to the actual needs of the pedestrian. If the pedestrian decides to walk away, the call is automatically cancelled.
- •There is no flashing amber signal as used for the older pelican crossing.
- •The signals for pedestrians are located above the push button and are known as 'near-side signals'.
- •Unlike older crossings, the green figure does not flash before the signals change back to red. If the red figure comes on when you are about to cross, press the push button and do not cross. Traffic will still be held on red for those already crossing.
7. Toucan Crossings
A toucan crossing is used by both pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrian and cycle signals are side by side and may be either near-side signals as for puffin crossings, or located on the opposite side of the road (far-side signals).
- •Cyclists who need to cross the road will be directed to a cycle facility off the main carriageway, adjacent to the waiting area for pedestrians.
- •Near-side signals include red and green pedal cycle symbols, together with a call button for use by both pedestrians and cyclists.
- •Cyclists may ride across toucans, whereas they should dismount at other crossings.
8. Equestrian Crossings
These may be provided for horse riders where, for example, a public bridleway crosses a road. In most cases, there will be a parallel pedestrian or toucan crossing. The signals for an equestrian crossing use the ridden horse symbol and may be either near-side or far-side. They have pavement barriers, wider crossing spaces, and either two sets of controls (one higher) or just one higher control panel for the rider.
9. Pelican Crossings
Pelican crossings are no longer being installed, but many existing ones remain. At the end of the pedestrian phase, the green pedestrian figure flashes before the red standing figure shows. At the same time, the red signal for vehicular traffic changes to a flashing amber signal (replacing the red and amber phase). Pedestrians should not start to cross, but should continue if already on the crossing. Drivers may proceed, but only if the crossing is completely clear.
10. Signal-controlled Junctions & Central Islands
- •Road junctions controlled by traffic signals may include crossing facilities. Far-side signals for pedestrians operate differently from pelican crossings: the green signal is followed by a blank signal. Do not start to cross, but continue if you are already on the crossing.
- •Central islands: Where the crossings on each side of the island are in line, they operate as a single crossing. Where the crossings are staggered, they operate as two separate crossings.
11. Zebra and Parallel Crossings
- •Zebra Crossings: Drivers should stop at the broken 'give way' line (about 1 metre before the crossing) when pedestrians are using the crossing. You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross and must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing. Drivers should not queue over the crossing. If there are two traffic lanes, but only one has a queue, drivers in the free-flowing lane should proceed with care and be prepared to stop.
- •Parallel Crossings: Parallel crossings are similar to zebra crossings, but include a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes. Drivers should look out for pedestrians or cyclists waiting to cross, slow down or stop to let them cross, and must give way when they have moved onto the crossing.
12. Pedestrian Countdown Signal
Local authorities may install countdown units at traffic signal junctions and at toucan crossings. After the 'invitation to cross' (steady green figure) has been extinguished, the unit displays the number of seconds left to cross the road before the red figure will appear. This reassures pedestrians already in the road that they still have time to finish crossing.
