Pedestrian crossing flashing lights across road??

[Emmi Smith]

What's that all about? I've been driving for 50 years,and never felt the need to recognise a Pedestrian crossing by having to have flashing lights across the road. Is this another EU directive, or something particular to Fuerteventura/Puerto del Rosario?

[Captain Sensible]

I think it's local to Puerto del Rosario.  They are trying to make it safer to cross the road in Puerto by making the location of the pedestrian crossings more visible to drivers.

Crossing the road on a pedestrian crossing is quite an experience if you walking about in Puerto - you take your life in your own hands!  I tend to avoid the pedestrian crossings as I wouldn't trust anyone to stop to let me cross.  I think it's safer to do the 'Green X Code' on a section of the street away from the crossing.

On occasions I have kicked out at cars or swung my bag at cars that have driven across a crossing in front of me or come behind me while I'm still on it.

In driver's defence, it is hard to see people crossing at some pedestrian crossings as the street lighting is so poor.

[Sam]

I quite like them Emmi.

It's always worth to install it even if it'll prevent only one accident. That's two families saved.

[Emmi Smith]

I get your point, but they irritate the hell out of me.  I also find them a distraction rather than an aid to safety from the point of view of a driver, and as for being a pedestrian, I have not had the issues like Captain Sensible ......I rather think he's been unlucky as I've found local drivers more courteous in stopping for me than back in the UK! Perhpas its because they have a bit more respect for "little old ladies" here!  LOL!

[Sam]

I never had an experience like Captain in Puerto del Rosario neither. And I don't look like "little old lady". But have yesterday realised (driving up) to the town from the harbour that thanks to the flashing lights I was able to see the crossing about one second earlier. So I guess it's probably for drivers like me (tourists), not for residents like you or drivers living in the PDR. For you and everyone else, driving in the capital every (other) day, it can really be a distraction because you already expecting the crossing to appear, not some silly lights. I'm sure you'll get used to them as you got used the driving on the right hand side.

[Emmi Smith]

LOL!!!  Next it will be compulsory for fairy lights on all the cars, so the pedestrians can see them coming!  In many cases it is the pedestrian who is the problem, wandering on to the road ( zebra crossing or not ) whilst looking at their phones and not paying attention.  Sorry, feeling like a grumpy old woman today!!

[Sam]

Next it will be compulsory for fairy lights on all the cars, so the pedestrians can see them coming!

Get us some fairy lights and let's stick a life size inflatable unicorn on the roof just to be sure. 

In many cases it is the pedestrian who is the problem, wandering on to the road ( zebra crossing or not ) whilst looking at their phones and not paying attention.

That's absolutely true and I'm sure it'll get worst. Just wait for some glasses like Google Glass to take over the market. You (as a driver) won't see the pedestrians to play the game or reading news on their phones any more. Every person wearing glasses will be in the category of pedestrians you'll have to keep really vigilant around.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Next it will be compulsory for fairy lights on all the cars, so the pedestrians can see them coming!  

People who know me well also know my addiction to blue fairy lights! In the UK I had a small set on top of my car dashboard, running off the cigarette lighter - I always wondered if this was 'code' for something naughty as lorry drivers started tooting, flashing lights etc!   

I like the new flashing red lights on the crossings - I just wish they all had them, I think it is dangerous to just do a few.

[Villan]

I like the electronic crossing man near the Caleta Bus station. When the light first change he starts of walking leisurely  manner then progressively gets quicker until he runs manically when they are about to change.