The new legislation is meant to support ‘accessible and inclusive travel’
The Welsh Government is set to introduce new legislation allowing local highway authorities to install side road zebra crossings on 20mph roads throughout Wales.
These simplified crossings feature the distinctive black and white zebra markings and give-way lines but don’t have the Belisha beacons and zig-zag road markings found at traditional pedestrian crossings.
Side road zebra crossings can be positioned directly across junction mouths, following pedestrians’ natural walking routes, and are considerably more cost-effective and faster to install and maintain than conventional crossings.
The legislative change follows a successful pilot scheme in Cardiff. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter.
Transport secretary Ken Skates said: “To support our vision of safe travel for all I have approved the drafting of legislation to allow highway authorities in Wales to use side road zebra crossings on 20mph roads if they wish to do so,” reports NorthWalesLive.
“This work supports Welsh Government’s wider vision of supporting accessible and inclusive travel for all where everyone can move safely and feel safe in their communities.
“These crossings will 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.”
He added: “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 our health and wellbeing; make our streets safer.
“The side road zebras used in Cardiff have proved to be popular and are still in place following the trial.
“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.
“The proposed changes to legislation will provide highway authorities with the option of installing a side road zebra crossing at junctions where both the main and side road have a speed limit of 20mph. There is no obligation on highway authorities to use these side road zebra crossings but the amendments to legislation will allow them to do so where they believe it will improve pedestrian safety.
“Legislation will be laid before the Senedd in February 2026 and it is proposed that it will come into force during March 2026.”