When do pedestrians have the right of way in the UK?

Question

I have heard they only have the right of way before a car when the car is turning from the main road into a side road or at crossings but what does that mean? Zebra crossings?

What about those island things in the middle of the road to get pedestrians halfway across the road?

Answer 1

The "island thing in the middle of the road" is called a pedestrian refuge and is there for pedestrians to wait until the road is clear before they cross.



Pedestrians will cross anywhere regardless who has the right of way and no car driver will deliberately drive into them.

Answer 2

Technically pedestrians have the right of way in the UK at a designated crossing point as soon as they have one foot on the road. The same would apply to side roads off a main road where a car wishes to turn into that side road.



In practice a little common sense is employed hopefully. When drivers see they are approaching a designated pedestrian crossing in the distance they will perform scan the scene ahead for any sign of pedestrians that look likely to use the crossing and react accordingly. Similarly if there is anyone waiting at a zebrea crossing with the obvious intention of crossing the road, it is standard practive for drivers to stop even if they don't have one foot on the road.



It should be noted that a zebra crossing is only legally operational when both of the associated flashing beacons are working.

Answer 3

The same would apply to side roads off a main road where a car wishes to turn into that side road. Technically pedestrians have the right of way in the UK at a designated crossing point as soon as they have one foot on the road.



It should be noted that a zebra crossing is only legally operational when both of the associated flashing beacons are working.



In practice a little common sense is employed hopefully. Similarly if there is anyone waiting at a zebrea crossing with the obvious intention of crossing the road, it is standard practive for drivers to stop even if they don't have one foot on the road.



When drivers see they are approaching a designated pedestrian crossing in the distance they will perform scan the scene ahead for any sign of pedestrians that look likely to use the crossing and react accordingly.

Answer 4

Pedestrians have right of way on the footpaths, on Pedestrian ("Zebra") crossings and on any controlled crossing when the lights are for them. Also a vehicle turning on to a side road is supposed to give way to a pedestrian crossing that side road. Don't count on this, it's all very well being in the right when under a white van! Also where there are central refuges on a crossing they count as separate crossings.

Answer 5

Pedestrians have right of way on zebra crossings. Once they have one foot on the crossing all traffic must slow/stop to give way to them.

On other types of crossings, the lights control who has right of way.



Away from crossings, if you treat the pavement as an additional inside lane of traffic you will not go far wrong. If there was another car on the inside of you and you wanted to turn left into a side road you wouldn't do it across the path of that other car. Treat the pedestrian the same way - they have the right to go straight ahead on the main road. However most will give way to you rather than take the risk of you not having seen them, in which case you can proceed, but only if it is safe and you are sure they have given way to you.



An island in the middle turns a crossing into two separate crossings. If there is no light-controlled or zebra crossing an island does not give pedestrians the right of way, but it may make it easier for them to cross.



For more information, read the Highway Code http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm

Answer 6

Everywhere except motorways and similar prohibited stretches of road, even then you cannot run someone over because you think you have right of way.

If someone is crossing the road and are sufficiently determined then you must avoid them.

At normal Zebra pedestrian crossings you must stop if any part of the foot is on the crossing.



Other countries have laws on 'jaywalking' the UK does not.

Answer 7

If you knock down a pedestrian when you could have stopped in time, or avoided them, you will be in serious trouble - regardless of whether or not the pedestrian had a legal priority at the time. Even if it can be shown that there is nothing you could have done to avoid hitting someone, you are still going to have a very difficult time.

Answer 8

Read the Rules for pedestrians (1-35) in the highway code it will answer all your questions at Direct.gov and it's free.

Answer 9

Pedestrians and cyclists always have the right of way. Partly because they could be children who cannot be held legally responsible for their actions, and partly as an incentive for drivers to be more aware of them

Answer 10

Hi be warned jumping out on a zebra crossing is not to be recommended the motorist needs time to see you are waiting to cross. don't just assume because it is a zebra crossing that you can just step out.

similar in the united states to jay walking.

i would not trust the first option either a right of way maybe what is intended but it is difficult to object when the idiot kills you.

so here in the united kingdom you really don't have any right of way the most hard to prove is when entering a roundabout with a car. did the idiot on my left take into account that it is my right of way.

and some do just race towards a roundabout on your right hand side. these idiots should be charged with dangerous driving. It is more likely to be without due care and attention.

Answer 11

All the time, everywhere. Simple.

If a person is on the road you stop, period.