Pedestrian and Railway Crossings

The Zebra Pedestrian Crossing Regulations 1971
The main offences under these regulations are:
1. Stopping on the crossing itself, except:
• Where the driver is prevented from proceeding by circumstances beyond his control.
• To avoid an accident.
2. Stopping in the 'Zebra Controlled Area' except:
Stopping of emergency vehicles provided that the vehicle cannot be used without stopping on that length of road.
3. Failing to afford precedence to foot passengers on the crossing.

No exemption but if the crossing is divided by a pedestrian refuge, then each part of the crossing on either side of the pedestrian refuge is a separate crossing for affording precedence.
4. Overtaking in a 'Zebra Controlled Area'
Must not overtake the vehicle nearest the crossing within the zebra controlled area on the APPROACH side of the crossing.

Pelican Crossings (The “Pelican” Pedestrian Crossing Regulations and General Directions 1987)
Observance Of Red/Amber Lights Regulation 8(1)(d)

The need to stop does not apply to vehicles used for Fire Brigade, Ambulance or
Police purposes if observance would be likely to hinder the cause of the vehicle
for the purpose it is being put to.
However, emergency vehicles:
• must still give precedence to people on the crossing.
• must not cause danger or make any other driver change course or speed to
avoid an accident.
Note: There is no exemption from the requirements to give precedence to
pedestrians when the amber light is flashing.

An emergency vehicle must stop to give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but if the crossing is divided by a pedestrian refuge, then each part of the crossing on either side of the pedestrian refuge is a separate crossing for affording precedence.