It's a ZOO!

I thought traffic in Tokyo was crazy... It is a ZOO here!

Zebra, Pelican, Toucan and Puffins. OH ME! OH MY! These are all types of pedestrian crossings. Yes, crossings.

The use of improbable animal symbols began in 1951 with the introduction of 'Zebra' Crossings.

Zebra: White stripes across the black tarmac. (understandable).

Pelican: The name derives from a cute pseudo-acronym for 'Pedestrian Light Controlled', with the 'o' changed to an 'a' in deference to the bird. (i think the transportation minister had a few too many when he came up with that one!)

Toucan: Same as Pelican but allows cyclists to cross as well "two can" cross... (oh. this is just bad!)

Puffin: (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent crossings)
Infra-red cameras similar to those used to find earthquake victims trapped under rubble are being used to help people cross the road. (isn't that a bit of a morbid comparison??!)

There is further, a Pegasus crossing -- for horses?? (sheeesh.) Cheeky is petitioning for a Monkey crossing.

wish me luck on the licensing exams!