Pedestrian traffic signals
Traffic signals for pedestrians are frequently used at locations with large numbers of pedestrians, to separate pedestrians and vehicles.
Scramble crossings stop all vehicles and permit pedestrians to walk in all directions.
Traffic signals for pedestrians are also installed at some mid-block locations where there are significant numbers of pedestrians (young, older or pedestrians with disabilities) wishing to cross.
Pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings)
Drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop when a pedestrian steps onto a marked crossing. Drivers must give way to any pedestrian on the crossing. Some crossings are difficult for you to see, so zigzag white lines are painted on the road to give drivers advance warning.
Some drivers will not stop for pedestrians so wait until all vehicles have stopped before you start to cross.
Raised pedestrian crossings
Raised pedestrian crossings are placed at locations where there is a high level of pedestrian activity. They are raised to increase visibility of the crossings and pedestrians to approaching drivers. They also help to slow down the traffic.
Pedestrian facilities on local and regional roads are installed by Councils and on state roads by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority).
Children’s crossings
Children’s crossings are usually part-time crossings which operate before and after school hours, and at other times that may be agreed by the local council. Outside these times the area isn’t a pedestrian crossing. When in use, red flags displaying he words CHILDREN CROSSING are used. Drivers must slow down and stop before the stop line when a pedestrian is on the crossing or waiting to cross – and remain stopped until all pedestrians are off the crossing.
Shared crossings
Zebra crossings are sometimes used as children’s crossings. When they are, the red flags will be shown, and the above rules apply. Otherwise they operate as a normal zebra crossing.
Pelican crossings
The signals for pedestrians at pelican crossings are the same as those at normal mid-block pedestrian signals.
The difference with pelican crossings is that when the DON’T WALK pedestrian symbol is flashing, drivers will see a flashing yellow light. This means, if there’s no risk of a collision, a vehicle can be driven through the crossing.
Pedestrian fencing
Pedestrian fencing is installed to stop pedestrians walking across heavily trafficked roads. The fencing directs pedestrians to controlled crossings.
Pedestrian traffic symbols
Many traffic lights have pedestrian signals to help you cross the road safety. Press the button and wait for the lights to change to the ‘green walk’ symbol before crossing.
Tip - Make sure that vehicles stop before you start to cross, and don’t go if vehicles are moving through the crossing.
Pedestrian refuge islands
Pedestrian refuge islands are not pedestrian crossings; they are installed on busy or wide roads to help pedestrians cross in two stages. Sometimes they are used with a pedestrian crossing, when a staged crossing is required.