What does this sign mean? What does this sign mean?

  • A. Airport ahead

  • B. Pedestrian crossing

  • C. Parking either side of the median strip

  •  
    The correct answer is B
     
    This sign indicates there's a pedestrian crossing ahead. You may also see a white diamond painted on the road and, if the crossing is around a corner, zigzag lines.
     
 
 
 

Types of pedestrian crossing and how to approach them

There are several types of pedestrian crossings including raised crossings, courtesy crossings, staggered crossings, crossings at traffic lights, and so on.

Rules for driving over any type of pedestrian crossing

On a pedestrian crossing without a raised traffic island you must stop if a pedestrian is on any part of the crossing.

Crossings with a raised central island: you must stop if a pedestrian is on your half of the crossing, but not if they are on the other half.

Courtesy crossings: you are not obliged to stop, but it is courteous to do so.

Crossings at traffic lights: you must stop if the lights are red, or if there are pedestrians crossing when the lights turn green.

School (kea) crossing: you must stop if the stop signs are moved across the road.

More detailed information about crossings is here.

What are the features of a pedestrian crossing?

Pedestrian crossings, which are called zebra crossings in some countries, usually have white stripes painted across the road. The approach to the crossing will often have a white diamond if the crossing is slightly obscured - note that that is different to some other countries which have zigzags or other road markings on the approach. There will also be a diamond-shaped yellow sign with a pedestrian crossing symbol.

There will be two or four poles marking the crossing, painted in black and white with either a solid orange disk or a flashing orange light on the top.

Crossings in busier centres also often have tactile pavement markings to help visually impaired users know where the crossing is.

For a comprehensive guide to pedestrian crossings, click here.

As you approach any crossing, regardless of whether it has a raised traffic or not, scan the pavements at the crossing for pedestrians that look like they are about to step out into the road. Be aware of any obstructions that might obscure your view such as parked trucks, posts and signage.

If you are driving a larger vehicle it can be more difficult for pedestrians to judge your speed and distance than a smaller vehicle.

Older pedestrians could have reduced vision.

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