Road Safety: Pedestrian Crossings
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Dudley Council is responsible for the location and maintenance of pedestrian crossings in the borough. Every year we receive requests for zebra or signalled crossings from residents. Although each request is taken on its own merits, the following factors are taken into consideration in assessing the need for a crossing:
- the record of personal injury accidents, including those involving pedestrians
- the volumes of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
- the potential for conflict between pedestrians and vehicles
- the difficulty that pedestrians face from traffic speed
- the length of time pedestrians have to wait before they can cross
- the location e.g. close to stations or schools
- pedestrian routes used by children walking to school
- locations that may be used in particular by the elderly or disabled
Sites are identified from accident records for the installation of new signalised junctions or crossings. A detailed study of the sites to assess the problems and possible solutions then takes place. If these studies show that signals or crossings are warranted then a detailed design of traffic signals is provided by Dudley Council. Please note that a pedestrian crossing does not necessarily lower the accident rate on the road.
If you require to know more about the provision of traffic lights or information on how to have a new signal or crossing installed please use the contact listed at the bottom of this page.
If you require to know more about the provision of traffic lights or information on how to have a new signal or crossing installed please use the contact listed at the bottom of this page.
Here are the different types of crossings available, follow the links to find out how pedestrians and drivers should use them:
These signalled crossings are found on fast, busy roads or where many pedestrians cross. The criteria for pedestrian crossings are set down by the Department for Transport which has strict rules that the Council must follow.
Vehicle and pedestrian counts must be used to assess the degree of vehicle and pedestrian conflict at a potential crossing site together with any local factors that may need to be taken into consideration.
Puffin crossings are like pelican crossings, but they have detectors that can tell when people are waiting to cross. This is why you must stand by the push button box if the red man signal is showing. The detectors also "watch" the crossing and control the light signals so that you have time to cross in safety.
These are used on other roads with less speed-related problems.
Pedestrian refuges / islands
Where a formal pedestrian crossing is not justified these can help pedestrians by letting them cross the road in two stages.
For further information please contact us using the details at the end of the page.
To report a problem with an existing crossing please use our Street Lighting Report Form.
© 2005 - 2010 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HF