Pedestrian Crossings

We are responsible for installing pedestrian crossings at suitable locations to encourage people to walk and to cross the road safely. Broadly speaking, there are two types of pedestrian crossings, uncontrolled (where pedestrians will have to find a suitable gap in traffic to allow them to cross safely) and controlled (where vehicles will have to stop to give way to pedestrians) and they are briefly described in these pages. The links below provide further information about the different types of crossings.

Requesting pedestrian crossings

We receive many requests each year for new crossings. Every request is assessed against a set criteria to identify the locations that most require the crossing. The main factors measured are the number of people crossing and the amount of traffic. Other factors include the number of road injury accidents on the road near to the site and local amenities, such as hospitals, schools and shops.

To make a request for a pedestrian crossing please contact the Road Safety team as under:

Email: road.safety@southampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 023 8083 4529

Address:

Transport Engineering
Floor 1, Marland House,
Civic Centre Road,
Southampton,
SO14 7PR.

Pedestrian refuges

In some locations where a controlled pedestrian crossing cannot be justified, a pedestrian refuge (traffic island) may be placed. These are uncontrolled crossings.

Zebra Crossings

Zebra crossings have black and white stripes across the road and flashing amber globes mounted on a pole marked with alternate black and white stripes. The pedestrians have the right of way once their foot is on the crossing. However, pedestrians must make sure that all the traffic has stopped before crossing and they should keep looking and listening as they cross.

Pelican Crossings

Pelican crossings (Pedestrian light controlled crossings) are controlled by traffic signals. Pedestrians push a button to register their desire to cross.

Puffin Crossings

Puffin Crossings (Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent Crossing) are an updated version of a Pelican Crossing.

Toucan Crossings

Toucan crossings (Two-Can Cross) are provided for pedestrians and cyclists (where they do not have to dismount to cross), usually at locations where cycle routes cross busy roads.