Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 6
Training / Qualification; Workload; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Runway
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure
Ground had coordinated to cross Aircraft X behind Aircraft Y at Bravo 4. Aircraft Y was on a 1.5 mile final and Aircraft X was approaching Bravo 6 and ground told Aircraft X to cross the runway at Bravo 4 while Aircraft Y was still on a 1 mile final. I said 'No!' Since aircraft had not passed the intersection yet and was still in the air. Controller said; 'It's OK because she said Bravo 4.' I assume they are using the anticipated runway separation.I tried to get clarification if this is allowed but do not have an answer. It seems to leave a lot of room for error/runway incursion. Aircraft X could have crossed at Bravo 6 since they cross there half the time; thinking it's what controller meant since there was someone on final or Aircraft Y could have tried to speed up to cross at Bravo 4 before the landing traffic etc. I would like clarification/reference in 7110.65 where either you are allowed to or when you are [not] allowed to say cross. We have had a lot of briefings on runway incursions but maybe reiterate when you are permitted to start an aircraft to cross. It seems to be a widespread problem here that controllers say cross way too early; when landing or departing aircraft are still a whole intersection from reaching the crossing point.
SAN Tower Controller reported confusion with guidance on issuing crossing clearance to aircraft too early.