what is a pelican crossing

A pelican crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing with traffic signals for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic, activated by call buttons for pedestrians, with the walk signal being directly across the road. The name "pelican" is derived from "PEdestrian LIght CONtrolled," which is a portmanteau of pedestrian light controlled. Pelican crossings are controlled by traffic lights, and pedestrians must press a button on a black and yellow box to illuminate the "WAIT" sign. Once the traffic lights turn red and the green man appears on the opposite side of the road, pedestrians can cross the road. Drivers must prepare to stop at a solid amber or red light, and if the pelican crossings lights are flashing amber, they must wait for pedestrians still on the crossing to safely get to the other side. Once the crossing is clear, drivers may proceed on a flashing amber or green light. Pelican crossings are defined as a single crossing under UK law if they go straight across the road.