Your research results explained

Our Ref: 1003137034

Date: 20.03.2009

Dear Ms MacArthur

I would like to thank you for your email dated 9 March 2009 with reference
to puffin crossings.

Puffin crossings differ from pelican crossings in two ways, firstly the
pedestrian signals are on the nearside rather than the far side.
Pedestrians commence crossing when the green man appears and once on the
crossing complete the movement without seeing another signal. The green
man is on for a short period of time to allow pedestrians to commence
crossing. A series of detectors confirm the presence of a pedestrian on
the crossing and prevent the signals changing back to vehicles until the
crossing is clear or a pre determined maximum time has expired.

Secondly the sequence seen by vehicles and pedestrians is different. For
vehicles the sequence is exactly the same as for a signalled junction and
for pedestrians there are two indications wait or commence to cross.

On the previous pelican layout the flashing green man flashing amber
period did lead to some confusion and often pedestrians would commence
crossing during the flashing green man putting themselves into danger as
there would not reach the other side before the vehicle signals went
green. With the puffin layout only if pedestrians cross when the red man
has been on for a significant period will they not reach the other side
before the signals change

With regard to visibility, the pedestrian signal is positioned so
pedestrians are looking at oncoming traffic as well as the signals. As
second red man green man is installed to assist with visibility at a
higher level on the signal pole.

I have also attached the DfT leaflet on how to use a puffin crossing.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding this
matter and I do hope that the information I have provided has been
helpful. Should you require assistance with any further issues, please
feel free to contact us again.

I

Yours sincerely

Shakirat Oluwa (Miss)

Customer Service Advisor – London Streets

Transport for London

Surface Transport Communications

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Dear Ms MacArthur

Our recent check of this site has shown this FOI request remains
open.

However, please see our reply above, dated 20 March 2009. If we can
be of any further assistance, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

Patricia Mitchell Head of Customer Services Transport for London
Surface Transport Communications & Engagement