(1) I would like to know who has the final say on where new crossings can be located both legally, and in practice (i.e. if the power is held by TFL do you in practice delegate this to the Boroughs etc). (2) In terms of the choice between zebra crossings and pelicans - who decides? (3) In terms of technologies such as the pedestrian version of SCOOT, who decides if this can be used or not? (4) What is the approximate cost of (I) Zebra crossing (II) Pelican Crossing (III) Pelican with SCOOT fitted? (5) What are the minimum distances between crossings, in terms of (II) Zebras and (II) mix of Zebras and Pelicans.

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TfL Ref: FOI-2220-2021

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 2 February 2021, asking for information about crossings.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:

(1) I would like to know who has the final say on where new crossings can be located both legally, and in practice (i.e. if the power is held by TFL do you in practice delegate this to the Boroughs etc).

Transport for London (TfL)  is responsible for all traffic signals on the roads in the Greater London Authority area.

The relevant highway authority for the road determines the location where a signalised pedestrian crossing is to be sited on their road network, and TfL will ensure that the design and layout meets the National and TfL Design Standards. This includes the exact location of the signalised crossing.

(2) In terms of the choice between zebra crossings and pelicans - who decides? 

The relevant highway authority responsible for the road on which the crossing is to be placed has the choice of the type of crossing facility.

If the choice is for a zebra crossing and it is on a borough road, then TfL does not become involved in the design or installation of that crossing.

Please note that pelican crossings have not been permitted to be installed as a new pedestrian crossing facility since April 2016. The use of the flashing amber / flashing green man is no longer prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.

(3) In terms of technologies such as the pedestrian version of SCOOT, who decides if this can be used or not?

TfL decides the control strategy and technology implemented at a pedestrian crossing.

(4) What is the approximate cost of (I) Zebra crossing (II) Pelican Crossing (III) Pelican with SCOOT fitted?

To install a zebra crossing can cost between £30-60k. The cost will depend on location and the size of the crossing. 

To install a signalised crossing can cost between £80-130k. The cost will vary by location, the amount and type of equipment, and the age of the equipment.

(5) What are the minimum distances between crossings, in terms of (II) Zebras and (II) mix of Zebras and Pelicans.

We do not hold this information. Measuring the distances between crossings on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) is not an exercise that we have conducted because this is not a relevant factor in the siting of a crossing. All crossings are assessed on the environment and needs at the location. 

The distance between pedestrian crossings on the TLRN varies greatly between the different type of road and local environment. There is a greater density of crossings in areas of high footfall such as high streets and town centres, compared to high speed roads where footfall is lower. This means that the average distance over the whole network does not give a reasonable picture of the level of pedestrian crossing facilities.

If you are considering submitting a further request please think carefully about whether the request is essential at this current time, as answering FOI/EIR requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. Where requests are made, please note that our response time may be impacted by the current situation.

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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