Pedestrian light at level crossing

[norbitonflyer]

At Wye - there is a flashing "red man" in sync with the wigwags. Not seen this before - is it common?

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[dk1]

At Wye - there is a flashing "red man" in sync with the wigwags. Not seen this before - is it common?

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They are becoming quite common.

 

[matchmaker]

Certainly have them at Cornton (Stirling) since the conversion from AHB to MCB(OD).

 

[MarkyT]

They appeared at Paignton North crossing when it was rebuilt a few years ago. It's a busy site on the main tourist road heading from town to the beach. Wig wags, usually placed high up primarily for longer range vehicular visibility are sometimes not so noticeable to those on foot close up near the barrier. The pedestrian signal is a solution, placed lower down.

 

[Nottingham59]

Is the Flashing Red Man in the highway code?

 

[4COR]

Is the Flashing Red Man in the highway code?

It is listed on the following page. Here you go : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/know-your-traffic-signs/level-crossing-signs-and-signals

In the code itself, it's under rule 34:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-pedestrians-1-to-35

 

[Nottingham59]

It is listed on the following page. Here you go : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/know-your-traffic-signs/level-crossing-signs-and-signals

In the code itself, it's under rule 34:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-pedestrians-1-to-35

Thanks. Looks like they need to update rule 34 to add the word "flashing", as in "flashing red pedestrian figure"

 

[edwin_m]

Thanks. Looks like they need to update rule 34 to add the word "flashing", as in "flashing red pedestrian figure"

Is there anywhere a non-flashing pedestrian figure is used at a crossing? The language as it stands would cover either.

 

[Nottingham59]

Is there anywhere a non-flashing pedestrian figure is used at a crossing?

All other types of pedestrian crossing. Crossings where flashing lights convey a meaning to hurry up, rather than stand and wait.

 

[MarkyT]

All other types of pedestrian crossing. Crossings where flashing lights convey a meaning to hurry up, rather than stand and wait.

I'd argue a flashing signal can be more eye-catching, especially if it's normally extinguished. I'd make it go steady once barriers are down though, in which case the wording would not need to change.

 

[swt_passenger]

I'd argue a flashing signal can be more eye-catching, especially if it's normally extinguished. I'd make it go steady once barriers are down though, in which case the wording would not need to change.

That would make them different to the adjacent wigwags though?

 

[MarkyT]

That would make them different to the adjacent wigwags though?

True, but not sure it's a problem. Different users get different signals at road intersections.

 

[edwin_m]

The meaning of the red figure is different at a level crossing, as I believe it is a legal requirement not to cross rather than a recommendation. So it's probably reasonable for this to behave differently by flashing, just as the wig-wags have a different meaning to a red traffic light (though not the same difference).

Also, a flashing light is probably easier to retrofit, as it can possibly just be teed off the wig-wag feed rather than modifying the logic of the crossing controller itself.

 

[MarkyT]

The meaning of the red figure is different at a level crossing, as I believe it is a legal requirement not to cross rather than a recommendation. So it's probably reasonable for this to behave differently by flashing, just as the wig-wags have a different meaning to a red traffic light (though not the same difference).

Also, a flashing light is probably easier to retrofit, as it can possibly just be teed off the wig-wag feed rather than modifying the logic of the crossing controller itself.

In relay installations, there is a pair of opposing phase flashing busbars, fed by a flasher unit switched on at the correct time in the operating sequence, to which each flashing red road lamp circuit is connected. I understand for a pedestrian light circuit designers simply add another fuse to one of the bars. With LED lamps, the additional load isn't significant.

The main argument for flashing is that it makes a signal normally extinguished far more eye-catching than a steady light switching on once. LEDs have been beneficial in that respect too as the flashing light output switches on and off far more quickly than incandescent.

 

[styles]

Interesting one.

I can't see in the legislation where it states that disobeying diagram 4006 (the red man at level crossings) constitutes an offence; merely that the sign conveys the message that crossing is prohibited.

The S36 RTA offence (of ignoring signs) only applies to people controlling vehicles (which includes non-motorised vehicles like bicycles). It doesn't apply to pedestrians.

So this may be one occasion where the 'MUST NOT' in the Highway Code isn't actually backed up by a specific offence.

I suspect it may be covered by some railway trespass legislation however.

FWIW, I think the main reason it flashes is to draw attention to it - people expect to see red/green men at pedestrian crossings on roads, but may not expect them at level crossings.