UK Traffic Crossing Sequences

Traffic Crossing Sequences in the UK

General Rules

• Pedestrian crossings have priority over turning traffic
• Traffic signals are designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles

Typical Sequence

1. Red phase: All traffic signals are red, and all traffic must come to a halt
2. Red/amber phase: Signals turn red/amber, indicating to drivers that the lights are about to turn green
3. Green phase: Signals turn green, allowing traffic to proceed
4. Amber phase: Signals turn amber, indicating to drivers to prepare to stop
5. Red phase: Signals return to red, and traffic must come to a halt

Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings

• Pedestrian crossings: Pedestrians are given a green man signal to cross, while traffic is held at a red light
• Cyclist crossings: Cyclists are given a green cycle symbol to cross, while traffic is held at a red light
• Toucan crossings: Shared pedestrian and cyclist crossings, marked by a green cycle symbol and a green man

Signal-Controlled Junctions

• Staggered junctions: Pedestrian and cyclist crossings are separated from the main traffic flow, with each having its own signal phase
• Simultaneous junctions: Pedestrian and cyclist crossings occur at the same time as the main traffic flow, with all traffic signals turning green simultaneously

Other Types of Crossings

• Zebra crossings: Uncontrolled pedestrian crossings marked by black and white stripes, with priority given to pedestrians
• Puffin crossings: Uncontrolled pedestrian crossings with a pedestrian-activated signal, where pedestrians press a button to activate the crossing
• Staggered pedestrian crossings: Pedestrian crossings with separate signals for each direction of traffic, often used at busy junctions

Traffic Crossing Sequences in the UK

General Rules

• Pedestrians have priority over turning traffic at pedestrian crossings
• Traffic signals are designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles

Typical Sequence

• The sequence of traffic signals includes: red, red/amber, green, amber, and red again
• During the red phase, all traffic must come to a halt
• During the red/amber phase, drivers are warned that the lights are about to turn green
• During the green phase, traffic is allowed to proceed
• During the amber phase, drivers are warned to prepare to stop
• The sequence then returns to the red phase, and traffic must come to a halt

Pedestrian and Cyclist Crossings

Pedestrian Crossings

• Pedestrians are given a green man signal to cross
• Traffic is held at a red light to allow pedestrians to cross

Cyclist Crossings

• Cyclists are given a green cycle symbol to cross
• Traffic is held at a red light to allow cyclists to cross

Toucan Crossings

• Shared pedestrian and cyclist crossings
• Marked by a green cycle symbol and a green man
• Pedestrians and cyclists cross together

Signal-Controlled Junctions

Staggered Junctions

• Pedestrian and cyclist crossings are separated from the main traffic flow
• Each has its own signal phase

Simultaneous Junctions

• Pedestrian and cyclist crossings occur at the same time as the main traffic flow
• All traffic signals turn green simultaneously

Other Types of Crossings

Zebra Crossings

• Uncontrolled pedestrian crossings
• Marked by black and white stripes
• Priority is given to pedestrians

Puffin Crossings

• Uncontrolled pedestrian crossings
• Pedestrian-activated signal
• Pedestrians press a button to activate the crossing

Staggered Pedestrian Crossings

• Pedestrian crossings with separate signals for each direction of traffic
• Often used at busy junctions