Why you might spot new zebra stripes on side roads soon
Welsh ministers have confirmed plans to change traffic regulations to allow councils to install side road zebra crossings on 20mph roads.
The proposal follows trials in Cardiff and similar work in Manchester and Westminster, where simplified zebra markings were introduced at the mouth of junctions to reinforce the Highway Code rule that drivers should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross when turning.
Announcing the move, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said, “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.” He said the aim was to support “our vision of safe travel for all” and create streets where “everyone can move safely and feel safe in their communities”.
A side road zebra uses the familiar black and white stripes and give way lines, but leaves out Belisha beacons and zig zag markings.
That allows the crossing to be placed directly across the mouth of a junction, which is where pedestrians usually cross, and makes the layout significantly cheaper and quicker to install than a standard zebra.
Three Cardiff sites were trialled in 2022 as part of the introduction of the default 20mph limit.
Anonymised monitoring data showed that drivers became more likely to give way after the markings were introduced.
Behavioural monitoring found a reduction in close passes between vehicles and pedestrians at the trial locations, and survey work suggested most users recognised the layout as a formal crossing.
The Welsh Government said, “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.”
[Example of a side road zebra crossing/beeactive.tfgm.com]
The Cardiff work included user research with disability groups and further engagement with Transport for Wales’ accessibility and inclusion panel this summer.
The government said the simplified crossings remained in place after the trial and had proved to be popular, although it expects further work to be needed on guidance for lighting, visibility, parking restrictions and consistency with existing crossing types.
A four week consultation has opened and closes on 15 December.
Guidance for councils will be developed alongside the regulation changes to help authorities decide when and where the new markings would be appropriate.
Ministers intend to lay legislation before the Senedd in February 2026, with the rules expected to come into force in March.
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