Side road crossings could be introduced on 20mph roads in Wales
The Welsh Government has approved the drafting of legislation to allow highway authorities to use side road zebra crossings on 20mph roads.
These crossings are designed to support the 2022 amendments to the Highway Code requiring drivers to give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road into which they are turning.
They support the Welsh Government’s wider vision of creating accessible and inclusive travel for all, where everyone can move safely and feel safe in their communities.
A side road zebra crossing uses black and white zebra markings and give way lines but does not have the other features of the crossings people are more used to such as Belisha beacons or zig zag markings.
Side road zebra crossings can therefore be installed on the pedestrian’s desired walking line, directly across the mouth of the junction and are significantly cheaper and quicker to install and maintain.
The side road zebras were trialled in three locations in Cardiff in 2022 to support the introduction of the 20mph speed limit in built-up areas and to:
- encourage more people to walk and cycle in our communities
- help to improve health and well-being
- make streets safer
The aim of the trial was to understand the impacts and user perceptions of these zebra crossings and to decide on their potential further use.
The trials in Cardiff and similar trials undertaken in Manchester and Westminster found no evidence that using a side road zebra crossing would have a significantly greater risk than one using the full range of features and showed a significant increase in drivers giving way to pedestrians compared to a junction without them.
