Pelican Crossing?

Question

I’ve noticed in my home town in the UK that some pelican crossings no longer have the flashing amber & act just like an ordinary traffic light.
My question is, by law you can move off if the amber light is flashing & no pedestrian is on the crossing, but what if you moved off on one of these fixed amber lights, can you get done for this offence or any other offence on lights that according to the Highway Code are not true pelican.

Answer 1

There are three types of light operated crossings;

1. Pelican crossing - Flashes amber prior to green, which means that if the crossing is clear of pedestrians you can move off.
2. Puffin crossing - no flashing amber, treat as normal lights and move off on green (if it is safe to do so).
3. Toucan crossing (also for cyclists, rememebr two can!) - as above, no flashing amber move off on green.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Very important point. I think the best advice concerning the kind of Pelican Crossing[s] you have in your home-town, is to treat them as ordinary traffic lights for the time being. In other words, wait for the Green for Go light before moving off.

A friend of mine, a former Battle of Britain Ace, now departed, once told me, "always hit them at the right speed, they measure the skid marks, don't you know"! Sensible advice.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the static amber, but I do know my dad got stopped by the police for pulling off at a flashing amber.

Answer 4

in the US proceed with caution.