Signalised pedestrian crossings

This section provides guidance on signalised pedestrian crossings at mid-block locations. Guidance on pedestrian crossings at signalised intersections is available in TCD manual Part 4.

Legislation

Section 8.5 of the TCD rule states that:

(1)   [If pedestrian signals are installed], markings must be installed to guide the movement of pedestrians

(2)   A road controlling authority may not mark a pedestrian crossing (zebra) in an area controlled by traffic signals

(3)   A road controlling authority may install pedestrian signals complying with Section 6 [of the TCD Rule] to control the movement of pedestrians at locations other than intersections.

The specific details for the application of pedestrian signals are contained within section 6 of the TCD Rule and apply to both intersections and mid-block crossings.

Clause 6.6(3A) of the TCD Rule states:

(3)   A countdown pedestrian signal, comprising a white or yellow display (conforming to the description in Schedule 3) showing the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian clearance period, may only be installed beside pedestrian traffic signals at:

(a)   mid-block pedestrian traffic signals; or

(b)   intersections where all of the approaches to the area controlled by traffic signals are controlled by red signals at the same time while pedestrians are permitted to cross.

Clause 6.6(4) of the TCD Rule states:

(4)   Except as provided in 6.6(5), pedestrian traffic signals must operate in the following sequence:

(a)   a steady green walking human figure symbol to indicate the period during which a pedestrian is allowed to enter a roadway followed by a flashing red standing human figure symbol to indicate the period during which a pedestrian is expected to finish crossing a roadway;

(b)   either the display at (a) or a steady red standing human figure, displayed for at least two seconds, to indicate when a pedestrian must not enter a roadway followed by;

     (c)    the display at (a); or

     (d)    blank display followed by:

(i)    the display at (a); or

(ii)    a steady red standing human symbol followed by the display at (a).

Clause 6.6(5) of the TCD Rule states:

(5)   A nearside pedestrian traffic signal may only be installed at mid-block pedestrian traffic signals and must operate in the following sequence:

(a)   a steady green walking human figure symbol to indicate the period during which a pedestrian is allowed to enter a roadway [display A] followed by;

(b)   a steady red standing human figure, displayed for at least two seconds, to indicate when a pedestrian must not enter a roadway followed by […]:

     (c)    the display at (a); or

     (d)    a blank display followed by:

(i)     the display at (a); or

(ii)     a steady red standing human symbol followed by the display at (a).

The details for the implementation of signal controls at intersections are TCD manual Part 4, which should be referred to.

Application

Signalised pedestrian crossings may be desirable at mid-block locations where:

• mid-block pedestrian crossing volumes are high; or
• it is desirable to coordinate mid-block pedestrian crossing flows with adjacent traffic signal-controlled intersections; or
• the crash history at a mid-block pedestrian crossing site indicates that it may be desirable to signalise the crossing; or
• they are near multi-lane roundabouts.

Detailed information on their use is provided within the Pedestrian network guidance (PNG).

Markings

For typical markings, refer to Figure 7‑16 below.
Figure 7‑16

• Pedestrian crossing lines; typical details for pedestrian crossing lines are shown in Table 7‑7 and should:
  • be continuous white lines extending entirely across the road; and
  • not include any longitudinal lines such as edgelines, centre-lines or turning guide lines continuing through the pedestrian crossing area.
    
    

Table 7‑7: Specifications for pedestrian crossing markings

Table 7-7 notes:

1. The width between pedestrian crossing lines is usually determined by the widths of the footpaths so connected and the number of pedestrians using the crossing.
   
   

• Limit lines at signalised pedestrian crossings should be located at least 6.0m clear of the nearest pedestrian crossing line. The primary traffic signal should be located in front of or adjacent to the limit line.
• No-stopping lines should be marked in advance of signalised pedestrian crossings to ensure signal conspicuity.
• Lane lines; on multi-lane roads, lane lines should be marked on the approaches and departures from the signalised pedestrian crossing; however, these lines should not be marked between the limit lines.

Signs

For information on sign specifications such as sign size, reflectivity and legend details refer to the TCD manual sign specifications.

Sign specifications

Layout

Typical layouts for single stage and staggered signalised pedestrian crossings are shown in Figure 7‑16

Figure 7‑16: Typical layouts for single stage and staggered signalised mid-block pedestrian crossings (signalised)

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