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Question

Difficulty: MediumTraffic Lights and Signals

A driver is approaching a Pelican crossing where the traffic light is currently showing a steady green aspect. A pedestrian pushes the control button to request a crossing phase. Arrange the subsequent traffic light phases in their correct chronological order from first to last.

  1. 1Steady amber light illuminated alone
  2. 2Steady red light illuminated alone
  3. 3Flashing amber light illuminated alone
  4. 4Steady green light illuminated alone

Answer

The correct chronological sequence of traffic light phases at a Pelican crossing after steady green is: Steady amber light illuminated alone → Steady red light illuminated alone → Flashing amber light illuminated alone → Steady green light illuminated alone.
At a UK Pelican crossing, activating the pedestrian button causes the lights to change from steady green to steady amber (stop if safe), then to steady red (mandatory stop). After the red phase, the signal displays a flashing amber light (give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but proceed if clear) before returning to steady green.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial transition phase after steady green.
Steady amber light illuminates alone.
Under the UK Highway Code, a Pelican crossing transitions from steady green to steady amber to warn approaching drivers that the red light is about to show.
2
Identify the mandatory stop phase.
Steady red light illuminates alone.
A steady red light stops all vehicular traffic behind the stop line, during which the pedestrian green figure is illuminated.
3
Identify the unique give-way phase characteristic of Pelican crossings.
Flashing amber light illuminates alone.
Unlike standard junction lights or Puffin crossings, Pelican crossings transition directly from steady red to flashing amber, instructing drivers to give way to pedestrians on the crossing but proceed if clear.
4
Identify the phase that completes the cycle and returns traffic to normal flow.
Steady green light illuminates alone.
Once the flashing amber phase finishes, the signal returns to steady green for normal vehicle movement.

Key Concept

Pelican crossing traffic light sequence and the flashing amber phase
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Traffic Lights and Signals

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