Traffic signal controlled pedestrian crossings on high-speed roads

Current Department for Transport guidance on installation of traffic signals with pedestrian crossing facilities differs between junctions and stand-alone pedestrian crossings. This project examined both ‘real’ and ‘perceived’ differences and difficulties resulting from the provision of stand-alone signal controlled crossings and signal controlled junctions with pedestrian facilities. It investigated users’, principally pedestrians’, behaviour at a selection of sites. It is very difficult to determine drivers’ behaviour from outside a vehicle, but relatively easy in the TRL driving simulator. The simulator was, therefore used to investigate drivers’ behaviour and present them with many difficult decisions as to whether to continue or to stop at the signals in a reasonably short “drive.” The final part of the project was an analysis of the accident record at a selection of sites. It is considered that the results of the study, particularly the simulator trial, justify the provision of more cautious guidelines for the installation of stand-alone, signal controlled crossings than for signal controlled junctions on high-speed roads. A much larger study would be required to thoroughly validate the exact details of the guidelines, but there is no evidence from this study of any problems with the current guidance on where to use signal controlled crossings. The operation of crossings should consider the strong desire of pedestrians for short waiting times.