Highway Code Crossings: A Complete Guide for Road Users

Highway Code Crossings: A Guide for Pedestrians, Drivers and Cyclists

Knowing how different crossings work helps everyone use the road safely. The Highway Code sets out guidance for pedestrians and rules for drivers and other road users at crossings. Some instructions use MUST or MUST NOT, indicating legal requirements; other guidance is advisory. Always follow traffic signals, signs and road markings.

Zebra crossings

Zebra crossings are identified by black and white stripes, flashing amber beacons and, usually, zigzag markings on the approaches. Drivers and riders must give way to pedestrians on the crossing. The Highway Code also tells drivers to give way to people waiting to cross.

Pedestrians should wait until traffic has stopped before stepping onto the crossing, and should keep looking and listening while crossing. Never assume that a vehicle has seen you or will stop. Drivers must not overtake the vehicle nearest to a zebra crossing, or park on the crossing or in its marked zigzag area.

Signal-controlled pedestrian crossings

Pelican, puffin and pedestrian-operated crossings use traffic signals. Press the button and wait for the signal to indicate that it is safe to cross. Check that traffic has stopped before stepping into the road, and continue to watch for vehicles while crossing.

• Pelican crossings use a flashing green figure for pedestrians and a flashing amber signal for drivers. If the green figure begins flashing, pedestrians who have already started crossing should continue; those waiting should not start. Drivers may proceed on flashing amber only if the crossing is clear.
• Puffin crossings use sensors to detect pedestrians and adjust the signal timings. They do not have the flashing green pedestrian figure used at pelican crossings.

At other signal-controlled crossings, follow the pedestrian signal and wait for traffic to stop before crossing. Do not begin to cross when the signal tells you to wait.

Toucan, equestrian and parallel crossings

Toucan crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists to cross together. Cyclists can ride across when the cycle signal allows, but should look out for pedestrians and other traffic.

Equestrian crossings, sometimes called Pegasus crossings, provide a place for horse riders to cross. They may have a higher push button for riders. Drivers should be prepared to stop and allow horses plenty of space and time.

Parallel crossings place a cycle crossing alongside a zebra crossing. Drivers must give way to pedestrians on the zebra crossing and to cyclists using the parallel crossing. Cyclists should approach carefully and check that traffic has stopped before crossing.

Advice for drivers and riders

Approach crossings slowly and be ready to stop. Look for pedestrians who may be waiting, including people who are less easy to see, such as children or wheelchair users. Take extra care around older people, disabled people and anyone who may need more time to cross.

Do not wave pedestrians across or use your horn to invite them to cross. Other drivers may not have seen them, and the gesture could put them in danger. Keep crossings clear, and do not stop on one unless traffic conditions make it unavoidable.

Advice for pedestrians

Choose a suitable crossing where one is available, but do not assume that traffic will stop. Remove headphones or pause anything that distracts you, and keep children close. If there is no crossing nearby, choose a place with a clear view in both directions and cross only when it is safe.

Crossings are shared spaces, and clear communication matters. By understanding the signals, giving way where required and staying alert, everyone can help make crossing the road safer.

 

Top 5 Tips for Safely Navigating Highway Code Crossings

1. Use a nearby crossing rather than weaving between traffic.
2. At a zebra crossing, wait until traffic has stopped before crossing.
3. At traffic-light crossings, obey the signals and check traffic has stopped.
4. Keep looking and listening while crossing; don’t assume drivers have seen you.
5. Drivers should slow down near crossings and give way to people crossing.

Use a nearby crossing rather than weaving between traffic.

Use a nearby crossing rather than weaving between traffic. Crossings give you a safer, more predictable place to cross and make it easier for drivers to see you. Wait for the appropriate signal or for vehicles to stop, check the road is clear, and keep looking as you cross.

At a zebra crossing, wait until traffic has stopped before crossing.

At a zebra crossing, wait at the kerb until traffic has stopped before stepping onto the crossing. Make eye contact with drivers where possible, but never assume they have seen you or will give way. Keep looking and listening as you cross, in case another vehicle approaches.

At traffic-light crossings, obey the signals and check traffic has stopped.

At traffic-light crossings, follow the pedestrian signals and wait until they show that it is safe to cross. Before stepping into the road, check that traffic has stopped, then keep looking and listening as you cross. Don’t assume every driver has seen the signal or will stop.

Keep looking and listening while crossing; don’t assume drivers have seen you.

Keep looking and listening as you cross, even when you are using a marked or signal-controlled crossing. Check for traffic in every direction and stay alert for vehicles that may be turning or approaching quietly. Never assume a driver has seen you or will stop—wait until it is safe before stepping into the road, and keep checking until you reach the other side.

Drivers should slow down near crossings and give way to people crossing.

Drivers should slow down as they approach a crossing, stay alert for people waiting or already crossing, and be prepared to stop. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing and follow the signals and road markings. Never assume someone has seen your vehicle, and keep the crossing clear whenever possible.