We always knew those wacky British were animal-crazy, but we had no idea that passion extended to traffic control. On April 2, 1962, the “panda crossing,” a new style of pedestrian crossing was introduced in London, replacing the “zebra crossing.” It was quite simple, really:
“The panda crossing is activated when the pedestrian presses a button that lights up a “wait” sign. This results in a flashing amber light warning drivers to stop. After five seconds a pulsating red light tells the driver to stop and a ‘cross’ sign is illuminated indicating to the pedestrian that it is safe to cross the road. Eight seconds later the red light is replaced by a flashing amber light. At the same time the ‘cross’ sign begins to flash, at first slowly and then faster to warn the pedestrian that his time to cross the road is running out. After 17 seconds both lights are extinguished and the driver is free to drive on.”
The pandas were abandoned in 1969 in favor of the pelican crossing. But finally the high-tech puffin crossing was settled on. Stayed tuned. It is unlikely they will run out of black and white animals any time soon.
You know the Mudd has a book about crossing the street.