Conclusions

Phase 2 of the research study, undertaken in 2021, sought to build upon the findings of Phase 1, undertaken in 2020; this found that whilst attitudes of users and practitioners towards Zebra crossings were largely favourable, it was recognised that people with disabilities are more likely to feel uncomfortable using Zebra crossings due to a range of issues.

A wide range of potential improvements, including physical design adaptations as well as stricter compliance measures and increased training were suggested during Phase 1 to improve the safety of Zebra crossings, to make them more appropriate to the needs of all users.

The views and experiences of most at risk road users captured during Phase 2 have validated these findings, and have deepened understanding of the issues faced by older people and people with disabilities, and of potential improvements that could be considered.

Of the participants who took part in the study, most feel cautious on approach to Zebra crossings and said it is hard to know when to cross. Participants who are blind/visually impaired feel especially vulnerable. Participants feel more unsafe when using Zebra crossings that are located near corners or roundabouts, or where there are high traffic volumes or wider roads. All user groups considered that there is a lack of understanding by road users of the Highway Code, perceiving the UK to have less of a pedestrian friendly culture compared to other countries.

The site survey demonstrated the variance of user experiences depending on participants’ own abilities. The area surrounding a Zebra crossing, the location of the crossing, as well as the design of the Zebra crossing itself all contributed to participants’ perceptions and experiences. The raised table with flush kerbs was found to be accessible and comfortable for those with mobility issues, however this posed issues for blind participants who found it challenging to safely locate the crossing.

Participants provided a range of suggested improvements to improve experiences of using Zebra crossings. These suggestions were grouped into:

  • Location and maintenance;
  • Technical changes;
  • Education and training; and
  • Legislation/enforcement.

It is worth highlighting that, whilst participants would prefer to use a signal-controlled crossing over a Zebra crossing, almost all considered that there is a role for Zebra crossings, and they are better than an uncontrolled crossing.

Recommended next steps

The findings of Phase 2 have supplemented and supported Phase 1, with a broad range of potential improvements suggested. It is Jacobs’ recommendation that further work is undertaken to explore in more detail the feasibility of potential improvements, moving nearer towards the overarching research aims described in Section 2. 

The next steps to achieving this could include:

  1. Engagement with Zebra crossing trials/ innovations delivery teams across the UK, to obtain an understanding of lessons learned, successes and failures. This would be limited to trials/ innovations which have been conducted within the last five years (2017-2022) and trials/ innovations which align with suggested accessibility improvements identified during previous phases;
  2. Focus groups and interviews with Roads Authorities and industry representatives to explore the feasibility and deliverability of suggested improvements identified in previous research phases; 
  3. A trial of one or more suggested infrastructure improvements as identified during Phase 2. This would be informed by findings from discussions with Roads Authorities and industry experts. Investigations could include the identification of a Local Authority willing to trial intervention(s) on their road network; and
  4. Trial of a local education/awareness-raising campaign targeting driver/rider behaviour in relation to Zebra crossings. The trial could consist of pre-intervention market research with road users to inform messaging, engagement with a specific local community, including young people and people with cognitive impairments (groups underrepresented in previous phases of research), a trial behaviour change campaign (delivered in partnership with the Local Authority), pre- and post- evaluation with road users and members of the community, including road users at greater risk.