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Comment by wvbdmp | Hacker News Reader

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wvbdmp·

>He had been demonstrating the new "C" pedestrian

What does this mean?

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I think they missed the word "crossing" after pedestrian, though it's still a bit vague with that in place.

A type C Zebra crossing is one that doesn't have the Belisha Beacon lights at either side. Rare now but it existed before that innovation.

> Mr. SIMMONDS asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the erection of signs bearing the letter C is inadequate to differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings; and whether in the interests of public safety, he will have these two types of crossings painted upon the roadway in an unquestionably distinctive manner?

> The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr.Hore-Belisha) The present arrangements are experimental, and I am watching them closely with a view to making such alterations as experience may show to be desirable in the interests of public safety.

https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard//commons/1934/jul...

I think "controlled" means drivers are legally obliged to stop to let pedestrians cross.

I believe "controlled" means "has traffic lights" (controlled by pedestrian signals, or on a cycle).

"Uncontrolled" crossings I think include Zebra crossings.

I thought so, but then read "Zebra crossings are a type of controlled crossing" on Wikipedia. This may be a mistake (possibly in the source).

Edit: found a definition in a document by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. "Uncontrolled crossings do not afford pedestrians any particular priority over motorised traffic", and so it classes zebra crossings as controlled.

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