A Mathematical Model of a Pelican Crossing

A simple mathematical model is set up to describe the mode ofoperation of a Pelican crossing. The distributions of timesduring which vehicles may and may not pass through the crossingare established, and the queues of pedestrians and vehicleswhich form are investigated. A limited amount of data has beencollected to estimate the numerical values of the parametersof the model and to check on the validity of the assumptionsmade. It is hoped at a later stage to report on similar investigationsat other types of pedestrian crossings, and to compare theireffectiveness with Pelican crossings.