Pelican crossings
1. The crossing time for the pedestrian phase is fixed and is determined by L.C.C. (Est 20/30s) So whether you are Usain Bolt (100 metres in 9.58seconds ) or Tommy Tortoise (100 m in 9.58 hours) the crossing time remains the same despite the wide variety of users (infirm, elderly, families with children or large groups of people)

2. Once the crossing control button is activated the crossing request phase cannot be cancelled! Even if the potential user crosses the road or moves away from the crossing prior to the to stop signal being activated causing frustration to motorists.

3. The flashing amber phase (motorists can proceed with caution when the crossing is clear) encourages the motorist to move through the crossing behind pedestrians (during the amber light crossing phase) which is dangerous for pedestrians.

Ideally, motorists should remain stationary during the flashing amber phase and SHOULD/MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing until they are on safely on the opposite pavement. The parish council received requests to extend the crossing times, they were advised by L.C.C. that the timings are within the guidelines for Pelican Crossings, likely to have been established for the average able bodied person and ignores anyone outside of that group .

Elderly residents and families with children, the most vulnerable within the community and most likely to use the crossings are most at risk. Adding just an extra second or two to the overall crossing time could make all the difference to them however, the downside is a possible increase the frustration of motorists and the possibility of moving through the crossing until the crossing phase is complete.

The benefits of a Puffin Crossing in preference to the proposed Pelican Crossing is based on information from the following document that was prepared for Transport for London (2005) http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/corporate/Puffin-Attitude-Study-Final-Report.pdf

The Puffin Pedestrian Crossing could reduce or eliminate all of the above numbered issues.

Some of the reported advantages/benefits of a Puffin Crossing over a Pelican Crossing are:

Puffin kerbside detectors allow the length of the pedestrian phase to be varied according to the speed of pedestrians crossing the road

Puffin Crossing kerbside detectors also automatically cancel the green pedestrian phase in cases where the button has been pressed but no pedestrians are no longer actually waiting to cross, thus aiding traffic flow and potentially alleviating driver frustration.

Puffin Crossings have no flashing pedestrian phase thus potentially reducing harassment experienced by pedestrians during this phase (amber light crossing phase) with a Pelican Crossing.

Puffin crossing benefits pedestrians in terms of perceived safety and also benefits motorists by minimising delays.

Puffin crossings also have nearside pedestrian signals which in theory aid people with visual impairments and encourages pedestrians to watch approaching traffic rather than stare across the road.

According to Leicestershire County Council, the success of the proposals are dependent on the support of the local community and comments received help elected members to decide how the scheme should progress. To that end L.C.C. officers have hand delivered 250 leaflets to homes within the vicinity to ensure that those effected have been consulted fully before proceeding.