I hope this request for information is not too inappropriate for the Transport
Research List. I am really trying to reach UK traffic practitioners but I don't
know of any other suitable channel of communications.
Can anyone advise how much concern there is about the use of the Pelican
sequence at mid block pedestrian crossings with narrow medians?
Is the Pelican sequence commonly used on dual carriageway roads in the UK where
the median is not wide enough to stagger the crossing?
I am told that DOT Local Transport Note 1/95 (or perhaps 2/95) states "the use
of a refuge at a non-staggered crossing is not recommended" but in practice it
is a common treatment. I am supprised as I thought there would be a considerable
risk that a pedestrian would step on to the second part of the crossing in front
of a driver who thought he/she had right of way.
Very briefly the background is that Pelicans are used only in two or three of
the eight Australian States and Territories. South Australia is currently
considering adopting the Pelican. Queensland has never used the Pelican sequence
and it's current position is that it that pedestrian detectors (as used in the
Puffin crossing) can provide nearly as much benefit without having to educate
drivers on the use of the flashing yellow period. I have been providing comment
for a revised edition of the Austroads Guide to Traffic Engineering practice
and I suggested that Pelicans should not be used at sites with a median or
refuge if the crossing could not be staggered. Other have disputed this saying
that it is common practice in the UK.
Thanks in advance for any input to this debate.
David Stewart
Principal Engineer(Traffic Management)
Traffic Engineering Section
Transport Technology Division
Queensland Department of Main Roads
Phone: 07 3834 2145 Fax: 07 3834 2201
Email: [log in to unmask]
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