Pedestrian crossings: zebra, parallel, toucan, pegasus and more.
Choosing and designing the right crossing for a scheme, from dropped kerbs and refuges to zebra, parallel, toucan and pegasus crossings.
Also known as: pedestrian crossing, controlled crossing, priority crossing, toucan crossing, pegasus crossing, parallel crossing, zebra crossing, puffin crossing, uncontrolled crossing
What’s included.
The right crossing depends on traffic speeds and flows, who is crossing and how often. Officers expect new development to provide safe crossings on the routes people will actually use. We assess the need and propose the type that fits.
- Uncontrolled crossings, dropped kerbs and refuges
- Zebra and parallel crossings
- Puffin and toucan signal crossings
- Pegasus crossings for horse riders
- Side-road priority and continuous footways
- Crossing assessments and site counts
Straightforward, proportionate, agreed early.
Uncontrolled and priority crossings
Dropped kerbs, tactile paving and refuges suit lower-speed, lower-traffic roads. Side-road zebras and continuous footways give pedestrians priority across junctions.
Zebra, parallel and signal crossings
Zebras give pedestrians priority. Parallel crossings add a cycle crossing alongside. Puffin and toucan crossings are signal-controlled, and toucans are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
Pegasus crossings
Signal crossings with higher push buttons and separate space for horse riders, used where bridleways meet busy roads.
Questions we get asked
What is the difference between a controlled and an uncontrolled crossing?
A controlled crossing, such as a zebra or signals, gives pedestrians legal priority or a signal phase. An uncontrolled crossing, such as a dropped kerb or refuge, relies on gaps in traffic.
When is a toucan crossing used?
Where a cycle route crosses a busy road and pedestrians and cyclists share the crossing.
Who decides what crossing is acceptable?
The highway authority. We agree the type early and arrange a Road Safety Audit where needed.
Often needed alongside.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Ripple Development Planning. Policy and guidance change; for advice on a specific site, send us the details.
From our insights.
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