As with all road markings, they are there for a reason.
As with all road markings, they are there for a reason.
Their purpose, to highlight an area where pedestrians can cross the road.
And to ensure that on those areas, NO ONE PARKS ANY VEHICLE so that there is a reduced risk of someone not being seen at the crossing.
On a road with broken or no white centre lines, vehicles are permitted to overtake if safe to do so. However! where ZIG ZAGS are present you ARE NOT PERMITTED TO OVERTAKE.
With the introduction of the Hierarchy or road users in 2022 into the Highway Code, the rules for priority changed to make them more stringent to protect pedestrians and the most vulnerable especially at Zebra Crossings.
Vehicles MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.
Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
Zebra and parallel crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing
look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this can be intimidating
be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.
A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rules 19 and 20).
Parallel crossings are similar to zebra crossings, but include a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes.
As you approach a parallel crossing
look out for pedestrians or cyclists waiting to cross and slow down or stop
you should give way to pedestrians or cyclists waiting to cross
you MUST give way when a pedestrian or cyclist has moved onto a crossing
allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians or cyclists across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
be patient, do not sound your horn or rev your engine as this can be intimidating
be aware of pedestrians or cyclists approaching from the side of the crossing.
A parallel crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see Rules 19 and 20).
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016: Schedule 14 Part 5
• NEVER PARK ON ZIG ZAG LINES.
• NEVER OVERTAKE ON ZIG ZAG LINES.
• NEVER SPEED UP ON APPROACH TO THEM.
• NEVER STOP OVER A CROSSING.
• NEVER GET DISTRACTED AS YOU APPROACH THEM.
• ALWAYS be prepared to reduce speed or stop.
• ALWAYS check rear view mirror when approaching any crossing to ensure you know how close a vehicle behind you may be.
• ALWAYS look out for pedestrians and cyclists close to a crossing on your approach as they have priority and can walk on to them without looking.
• ALWAYS ensure anyone using the crossing has cleared the crossing before proceeding. (unless it is a split crossing)
• ALWAYS treat shopping centre car park crossings in the same manner as you would with one on public highways.
