Pedestrian crossings and traffic islands

Recognising the crossing

A pedestrian crossing is a designated route for people to cross the roadway. It can be identified by road markings, signs or the applicable intersection layout. Look for the approach warning and the crossing itself; these do not occupy the same place.

Slow before reaching it and check both sidewalks and the roadway. A pedestrian may be hidden by a van, a tree or the car ahead. Give way as required and stop before the pedestrian’s path rather than obstructing it.

If a queue leaves no room beyond the crossing, wait before it. Drivers and pedestrians need to see one another, so the parking and stopping clearances on the approach matter.

Key idea: Approach ready to stop and keep the crossing clear.

How to apply the rule

Give way to pedestrians crossing within a pedestrian crossing, slowing or stopping when needed. Look at both sides and the crossing itself. Keep the crossing clear in queues: wait before it if there is no room beyond.

Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing. You may be unable to see the person it is allowing across. Turning drivers must check pedestrians in the intended path even when their vehicle signal permits a turn. Put the phone away before travel and stop in a safe, permitted place before handling it.

Key idea: Remain behind rather than passing.

Conditions and easily confused points

The pedestrian red figure means pedestrians must not begin crossing. A flashing red figure requires those who have not entered to wait, while people already crossing finish promptly. These instructions do not authorise a driver to endanger someone who has made a mistake.

A triangular pedestrian warning announces a hazard ahead; R2.1 specifically indicates pedestrian priority. Learn both the picture and the action rather than treating every pedestrian symbol identically.

Key idea: Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.

Painted and physical traffic islands

A physical traffic island is a raised or separated area that directs traffic around it. A painted island uses road markings to define an area to keep clear. Neither is an extra lane for passing a queue or a convenient parking place.

Follow the lane markings and any keep-left or keep-right sign at an obstruction. Plan the route before reaching the island so you do not make an abrupt lane change. Maintain room for cyclists and pedestrians using nearby crossings.

Do not confuse a dashed path in a teaching illustration with permission to drive over a painted island. Use the actual legal route and controls on the road.

Key idea: Islands channel traffic; do not use them as spare roadway.

Quick recap

• Yield to pedestrians as required.
• Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crossing.
• Keep crossings clear in queues.
• Do not drive or park on painted islands.