The Highway Code – Road Crossings

 

Road Crossings

 
Rule 191
 
When learning to drive (and indeed long afterwards) you will encounter all manner of road crossings.
 
 

 
 
The Highway code gives great advice to help you…
 
Rule 191
 
You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines.

You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians.

Laws ZPPPCRGD regs 18, 20 & 24, RTRA sect 25(5) & TSRGD regs 10, 27 & 28
 
 
Rule 192
 
In queuing traffic, you should keep the crossing clear.
 
 

 
Rule 193
 
You should take extra care where the view of either side of the crossing is blocked by queuing traffic or incorrectly parked vehicles. Pedestrians may be crossing between stationary vehicles.
 
 
Rule 194
 
Allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and do not harass them by revving your engine or edging forward.
 
 
Rule 195
Zebra 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 MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
• allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
• do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
• be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.

 
A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings (see ‘Crossings’).
 
Law ZPPPCRGD reg 25

 

Signal-controlled Crossings

 
Rule 196
 
Pelican crossings. These are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red ‘Stop’ light. You MUST stop when the red light shows. When the amber light is flashing, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you may proceed with caution.
 

Laws ZPPPCRGD regs 23 & 26, & RTRA sect 25(5)

 
 

 
 
Rule 197
 
Pelican crossings which go straight across the road are one crossing, even when there is a central island. You MUST wait for pedestrians who are crossing from the other side of the island.
 
Laws ZPPPCRGD reg 26 & RTRA sect 25(5)
 
Rule 198
 
Give way to anyone still crossing after the signal for vehicles has changed to green. This advice applies to all crossings.
 
Rule 199
 
Toucan, puffin and equestrian crossings. These are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase; the light sequence for traffic at these three crossings is the same as at traffic lights. If the signal-controlled crossing is not working, proceed with extreme caution.
 

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Highway Code Advice from the DVSA –
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for everyone.

Information reproduced via the OGL