Pedestrians: when must you let them pass?

Zebra crossings, turning and mobility difficulties: recognise which rule applies.

At a zebra crossing without traffic lights, let pedestrians pass when they are crossing or clearly about to cross. Do not wait until someone is directly in front of your car. Approach with a clear view and leave the crossing unobstructed.

Someone walking a bicycle is a pedestrian. A person riding a bicycle does not gain priority merely from the white zebra markings. Check for a separate cycle crossing, shark-teeth markings or other controls.

Let a blind person using a white cane with one or more red rings, and other people who have difficulty moving, pass. This protection is not limited to zebra crossings. For example, someone visibly struggling to cross using a walking frame.

A pedestrian approaching from the right at an ordinary crossing does not automatically gain priority under the right-hand rule for drivers. When you turn, the same-road straight-ahead rule applies instead. At a signal-controlled zebra, also read the pedestrian lights: the zebra rule has exceptions for red or flashing amber lights. Recognisable military convoys and funeral processions also have specific exceptions; do not apply the simple zebra rule indiscriminately.