Safe crossing places

Use the following places to cross the road safely.

Zebra crossing

This is marked by yellow flashing beacons. The actual crossing area is marked by black and white "zebra" stripes.

Drivers must stop to let you cross. As they approach the crossing, they should slow and be prepared to stop. They must stop behind the stop line if there is one and must not enter any part of the crossing.

Drivers must not overtake or park within areas covered by zig-zag markings on either side of the crossing. More information in the Parking section.

You do not have the right-of-way over other traffic until you actually step onto the crossing. Never step onto the crossing if this would cause a driver to brake or swerve suddenly.
You must not cross within the area marked by zig-zag white lines if these are provided on either side of a zebra crossing. If they are not provided, you must not cross within 15 metres of the crossing.
If there is a central island, treat each side as a separate crossing.
Always watch carefully for approaching traffic. Place one foot on the crossing to indicate that you wish to cross. Wait until traffic has stopped before you start crossing.

Pedestrian lights

Pedestrian lights consist of a set of traffic lights for drivers and a set of light signals for pedestrians. Usually there is a push button for pedestrians. When you press it, the traffic lights will turn to red after a short while.

Do not cross while the "wait" or "red man" light is showing.
Cross with care when the "cross now" or "green man" is showing.
If there is a central island at the pedestrian lights, the "green man" or "cross now" sign will let you cross only as far as that. You must then press the push button at another set of lights to cross the rest of the way.
For vision-impaired pedestrians an audible bleep signal and/or vibrating panel on the push button may be in place to indicate when it is safe to cross.

Image shows a woman guiding two children across a pedestrian crossing. Crossing is marked with alternating white and black stripes, and on either side of the road there are two yellow lamps, lit up to indicate it is safe to cross

Pelican crossing

At this crossing, an amber light will flash for a short period after the red light for drivers goes out. Similarly, the "green man" light for pedestrians will flash for a short time before changing to the "red man" light. A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing gives priority to pedestrians.

Traffic lights

If you are crossing at traffic lights, but there are no signals for pedestrians, check the lights in both directions. When the traffic on the road you wish to cross is governed by a red light, cross carefully. Look out for traffic that might be turning onto the road you wish to cross and remember that some traffic lights allow traffic to proceed in some lanes when other lanes are stopped. Be especially careful at junctions with filter lanes.

Uncontrolled crossing places

A traffic island is provided to help pedestrians. These are safer places to cross because the crossing is divided into two parts.

Don't cross the road in the area in front of a truck. This is a truck drivers blind spot.

REMEMBER If you can't see the driver, they can't see you.