Zebra crossing

We all have seen a zebra crossing — a type of pedestrian crossing marked with broad white ad black stripes painted on the road, resembling a zebra’s black-and-white pattern — and that’s where it gets its name.

These crossings are among the most recognisable and widely used all over the world, including in the UK, Europe, India, Pakistan, Australia and many other countries. They give pedestrians the right of way, meaning cars must stop when someone is crossing.

Toucan crossing

The toucan crossing is another clever play on words. It’s called “toucan” because “two can” cross — meaning both pedestrians and cyclists can use it together. This type of crossing is wider than a normal pedestrian crossing and includes signals for both walkers and bike riders. Toucan crossings are mainly found in the UK and are part of efforts to make roads more accessible and safer for cyclists. The name is not related to the actual bird, but was chosen as a fun pun, and like many UK crossings, it’s part of a system that prioritises both safety and ease of use in urban planning.

Puffin crossing

Puffin crossings — standing for “Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent” — are a more advanced version of the pelican crossing. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with puffin birds!

These crossings use smart sensors that detect when a pedestrian is waiting and when they have finished crossing, adjusting the light timing automatically. This makes them safer and more efficient, especially for people who walk more slowly, like children or the elderly. Puffin crossings are mainly found in the UK and are gradually replacing older types like the pelican.

Pelican crossing

A pelican crossing is a special kind of pedestrian crossing that is controlled by traffic lights. The name “pelican” is actually short for “PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled,” not the bird!

These crossings were developed in the UK and similar versions exist in other countries under different names. At a pelican crossing, pedestrians press a button to trigger a red light for cars, allowing them to cross safely. The lights also include a flashing amber phase that lets cars proceed if the crossing is clear.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 28th, 2025