Findings from stage 1 focus groups

This section presents the findings from the focus groups, providing representative views and quotes from all participant groups.

Findings are grouped into 2 main themes:

Views and experiences of participants; and
Suggested improvements (education, maintenance, technical changes, legislation/enforcement, reasonable adjustments and faith in solutions).

Participants’ views and experiences

Participants were asked how often they use Zebra crossings, and about the environment surrounding these crossings. If participants stated they do not use Zebra crossings, they were asked why. Participants were then asked about issues they have witnessed or experienced; feelings and behaviours whilst approaching and using Zebra crossings; and if they think there are positive aspects of these types of crossings.

Summary of participants’ views and experiences of Zebra crossings

Frequency and use

Ranged from daily to never
Use depends on whether a crossing is located near to where they live/travel plus the factors outlined below

Overall experiences

Most feel cautious on the approach to Zebra crossings and said it is hard to know when to cross
Blind people feel especially vulnerable
No auditory confirmation that it is safe, and wind or noise from roadworks can make crossing especially difficult
Feel the need to move quickly across

Impact of location, surroundings, and infrastructure

Feel more unsafe when Zebra crossings are located near corners, roundabouts or where there are high traffic volumes
Bus stops and trees can restrict visibility
Black and white stripes in the crossing areas are better than coloured
Height of Belisha beacons too high for some

Impacts of other road users

Hard to hear cycles, electric cars etc. approaching
Perception that cyclists are less likely to stop
Perceived lack of understanding by road users of the Highway Code
Less pedestrian traffic compared with controlled crossings
Perception that the UK has less of a pedestrian friendly culture compared to other countries

Frequency and use

The frequency of participants using Zebra crossings ranged from daily to never. This mainly depended on the number of Zebra crossings participants encountered in their local area. Those living in or near Edinburgh perceive the city as having many Zebra crossings and are more likely to be regular users, compared to Glasgow, for instance. Participants also found Zebra crossings most often near schools and in urban areas rather than more rural ones. Participants who live or are often in these types of areas tend to use Zebra crossings more frequently. Frequency and use also varies dependent on the nature of each individual’s disability. One blind participant stated he would never use a Zebra due to safety concerns.

Overall experiences

Both positive and negative experiences of using Zebra crossings were reported by participants. Their experiences were shaped by their disability; the positioning of the crossings; the features of the crossings; their experiences with other types of crossings (controlled and uncontrolled); and the attitudes and behaviours of those around them (pedestrians and road users).

Nearly all participants stated they approach Zebra crossings with caution, some noted feeling anxious or unsafe when approaching and using them. Most participants said it is difficult to know when it is safe to cross. Several participants also feel there is a general lack of consideration from pedestrians, road users and local authorities for the health and wellbeing of disabled people and this extended to accessible crossings.

I get anxious and I am not sure when it is safe to cross. I’m wary, will the cars stop or not? I’m never sure when it is the right time to walk over.

(Interview 2, deafblind participant)

It’s the not knowing whether it’s your turn or the traffic’s turn or the traffic doesn’t know what you’re going to do. […] It’s the indecision of Zebras that make it a nightmare. (Participant M6, blind and visual impairment focus group)

Of the groups interviewed, participants from the blind and visually impaired focus group were the most likely to note they feel unsafe and/or strongly dislike using Zebra crossings. Two of these participants described the issue of crossing as ‘life or death’. One participant from this focus group mentioned the isolation of disabled individuals afraid of negotiating traffic, who then have lower tendency to leave their homes.

A few visually impaired participants noted they rely on hearing to cross, and it is stressful to do so without an auditory confirmation that it is safe, and noise from wind or roadworks can make crossing especially difficult.

A visually impaired participant found it difficult to distinguish between Zebra crossings and other controlled crossings, as the tactile paving can be the same for both. One blind participant stated guide dogs are trained to stop at a kerb and wait for the traffic to stop before moving onto the crossing. Two participants from the blind or visual impairment focus group emphasised the continued need for signalised crossings as well as having more Zebra crossings.

We have to play Russian roulette, stick our foot on the roadway and hope there is not a cyclist – silent cyclist – an electric car, one of these awful e-scooters or anything else. But we cannot be sure that traffic has stopped, especially cyclists. (Interview 1, visually impaired participant)

Many of the participants across the different focus groups feel the need to cross quickly to avoid being hit by cyclists or cars impatient to keep going; an issue they felt is not the case at signal-controlled crossings. Those with physical impairments, some wheelchair users, and those 65+ stated it takes them more time for them to cross, and some of these participants mentioned a feeling of guilt around making drivers wait. Additionally, parents or caregivers highlighted they feel particularly nervous crossing with children.

Impact of location, surroundings and infrastructure

In terms of specific problems with Zebra crossings, participants noted that lighting should be stronger, and the crossings must be better maintained. Many participants found Belisha beacons to often be too dim (or even not functioning at all), especially for night-time or low visibility weather conditions. This makes them feel that crossing is dangerous.

Many participants also noted poor maintenance of the crossings, most notably the white painted stripes on the road fading with time and not being replaced, so the crossings are not effective in showing drivers they should stop and are less visible to pedestrians.

One participant in the blind and visually impaired group found tactile paving, if not maintained, goes flat over time and is no longer able to indicate where to cross. Additionally, it was noted by a couple of participants in the 65+ focus group that in some cases the footway or central reservation is not wide enough for wheelchairs and buggies to wait safely.

Participants who are partially blind and visually impaired prefer black and white crossings, which provide good contrast. It was considered that colourful crossings, which participants were aware of through national media, would decrease feelings of safety and in some cases be a barrier to using them.

Any other colour scheme, I wouldn’t see it…there’s not enough contrast with green and black of whatever other colour schemes they’re playing with. So the black and white is really important. If you’re going to have Zebra crossings, they have to be the colour of a Zebra, not any other colour. (Participant M1, blind and visual impairment focus group)

I like the fact that…for my eyesight, I can see the black and white. The tactile paving, I can feel that, and know there’s a Zebra crossing coming up, so I like that. (Participant F2, blind and visual impairment focus group)

Participants across all focus groups felt negatively about Zebra crossing positioned after a corner. They found drivers to come around corners too fast and often did not have time to stop before reaching the crossing. Crossings located near corners where it is not possible to see what is beyond it when approaching, were perceived as reducing driver visibility of pedestrians and making it more difficult to cross. Many participants reported that in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, especially near roundabouts, Zebra crossings are considered less appropriate and useful for them.

When they’re in residential areas, I think people maybe feel safer using them because they’re slightly quieter, but in busier areas, I don’t know that they’re entirely appropriate just as they are. (Participant M2, deaf and hearing impairment focus group)

I think they’re useful on roads which have a low volume of traffic and low speed of traffic, but they’re not much good anywhere else.

(Participant M1, 65+ focus group)

For those with physical disabilities, the lower height of a wheelchair can make it harder to see cars coming, as noted by one participant in this focus group. For those aged 65+, the height of the Belisha beacon was said by one participant to sometimes be too high off the ground, as older people tend to be less tall and may have more difficulty looking up and seeing them.

Those who had experienced Zebra crossings with a raised table and/or where the carriageway had been narrowed to slow driver speed, cited positive experiences using them. Participants also perceived the costs of installation and maintenance of Zebra crossings as cheaper compared with other controlled crossings. Though most would prefer signal-controlled crossings, almost every participant determined that a Zebra crossing is better than no crossing at all.

If it’s a financial issue that they can’t or won’t put up a controlled crossing then yes, the Zebra crossing is ideal because it does give people, especially elderly people, the opportunity of safely getting across the road. (Participant F3, 65+ focus group)

Impact of other road users

Many participants noted that electric cars, hybrid cars with start-stop technology, e-scooters, or bicycles are difficult or impossible to hear, and it is hard to know when they are approaching. Participants reported that drivers did not always stop, even when they see a pedestrian waiting to cross, and that motorists and cyclists may proceed when a pedestrian is crossing, if they see an opening. Some participants in a few of the focus groups felt that cyclists hardly ever stopped at crossings and found this to be a greater issue at Zebra crossings compared to other controlled crossings. Participants considered there to be a lack of consideration, and some have experienced hateful words from drivers when trying to cross.

I think there’s something about the perception […] that the right of way on Zebra crossings is flexible. And it’s about right of way for the part of road you're on, not waiting ‘til somebody has actually crossed the entire crossing. (Participant M3, blind and visual impairment focus group)

Many participants across the focus groups and interviews perceived a lack of respect for rules and the Highway Code amongst some road users. They suggested that, without having studied the Highway Code, a driver may not know the rules of a Zebra crossing. For example, they may not know it is mandatory, not advised, to stop as soon as a pedestrian steps foot in the road. The new changes in the Code prioritise pedestrians, yet participants discussing the Code had not noticed a shift in driver and rider behaviour around this.

One participant from the deaf and hearing impairment focus group highlighted the need for cyclists as well as drivers to be well-versed in the Highway Code. Another participant from this focus group felt that the Highway Code is unclear in places and is not accessible enough. For example, participants from the learning disability focus group pointed out that, although the Highway Code states drivers must stop once a pedestrian has set foot on the road, pedestrians (particularly those with a visual impairment) cannot always be sure if a car is going to stop. As such, they may not initiate crossing and cars may not feel the need to stop.

I wonder about cyclists as well sometimes, and their understanding and knowledge, because I’m not sure they follow the Highway Code always either. […] I quite often I see cars stopping and the cyclist just keeps going past them… (Participant 6, deaf and hearing impairment focus group)

Several participants agreed that Zebra crossings helped cope with pedestrian volumes as footways are often less crowded for those waiting to cross at Zebra crossings, compared with busier signal-controlled crossings.

Some suggested that the U.K. has less of a pedestrian-led culture than countries like Canada, the U.S. or Germany where motorists are perceived to respond more systematically and regularly to pedestrians.

Suggested improvements

Participants were presented with an overview of the activities and findings of the Phase 1 research, and asked for their reflections on this information. Following this a comprehensive discussion with participants sought to gather their views on potential improvements to Zebra crossings, including technical changes, education, and legislation.

Participants were referred to the PSED and explicitly asked what reasonable adjustments they felt could be made to remove any substantial disadvantage that disabled people face in using Zebra crossings, in comparison to people who are not disabled. Participants who avoid using Zebra crossings were asked what the alternative should be and how far they would be willing to go to avoid a Zebra crossing. Finally, participants were asked what they felt were the priority issues with Zebra crossings as well as their most important solutions to these problems.

Table 5 summarises participants’ suggested improvements, with further detail provided below. Across all focus groups, maintenance and more effective lighting were the most frequently suggested solutions, followed by road safety education and a clearer indication to the driver that a Zebra crossing is ahead.

Participants' suggested improvements

Location and maintenance

Assessment of location of Zebra crossing and surroundings before, during, and after Zebra crossing construction
Ongoing maintenance of road markings and lighting

Technical changes – lighting, signals and signage

Improved lighting at and near crossings
Visual and audible signals (e.g. flashing lights, rumble strips) for road users
Improved signage for road users
Lowering of height of Belisha beacon

Technical changes – Zebra crossing surface/construction

Raised tables
Narrow carriageway/footway buildouts
Attention to dropped kerb requirements
CCTV cameras

Education and training

Adverts and road safety education campaigns
Raise awareness of Highway Code
Ongoing road user training
Disability awareness training

Legislation/enforcement

Parking enforcement
Speed limit reduction
Highway Code enforcement

Location and maintenance

Participants across all focus groups stressed the importance of Zebra crossing locations being assessed relative to their surroundings. They suggested this takes place before, during, and after construction. For example, checking trees or bus stops aren’t obstructing sightlines; not too close to corners or junctions. They noted that it is important to consider the visibility of the crossing for road users and pedestrians.

It was suggested that consideration must also be given to the gradient of footway, some participants expressed difficulties accessing crossings where the gradient was considered too steep.

Perhaps we need to revisit where some of them are sited.

(Participant M1, physical impairment focus group)

Most participants across all focus groups and interviews felt that maintenance of Zebra crossings was most important (e.g. ensuring the black and white markings are clear and that lighting is working correctly). Participants felt that Zebra crossings are not always maintained to a safe and accessible standard. Some participants from the physical impairment focus group suggested that maintenance planning be set out when a Zebra crossing is constructed, and that Local Authorities should prioritise road maintenance. They also suggested regular maintenance checks and action to ensure high quality provision is maintained.

Technical changes

Technical changes suggested by participants included improved lighting and alerts, signage for drivers and riders, and road surfaces.

Lighting, signals and signage

Several participants who are blind or have a visual impairment stated the need for better lighting at and near Zebra crossings. There was a preference for flood lights and spotlights. One visually impaired participant mentioned their experience of using a Zebra crossing with a sensor which caused the crossing to light up at night when she stepped on it. She noted that this made a notable difference to her perceived visibility, and hence safety, and suggested that this be implemented at other Zebra crossings to aid pedestrian movements particularly when it is dark.

Many participants across all focus groups noted a desire for a better indication for drivers leading up to Zebra crossings so they are aware that there is a Zebra crossing ahead of them. Examples included a flashing light (triggered by a pedestrian pressing a button) and tactile indicators on the road (such as a rumble strip or speed hump).

Make it [the Zebra crossing] more apparent. If they’re driving along and they’re maybe not paying attention, maybe there’s…something we can put on the road markings maybe 50 metres before or…something to just bring their attention that they’re approaching one.

(Participant M4, blind and visually impaired focus group)

Make it [the Zebra crossing] more visible for drivers, whether it’s extra lights or whether it’s raised bits on the road, […] even a sign some distance away showing a driver that they’re coming up to a Zebra crossing.

(Participant F3, 65+ focus group)

Consistent with the apprehension around whether road users would stop, some suggested that there was a need for better signage before the Zebra crossing so that road users were prewarned and prepared to stop if necessary:

So I think signage is important, and we certainly need something to get the driver’s attention, so whether it’s a speed bump or whether it’s signage or whether it’s a red light, I think we certainly need at least one of those things.

(Participant M2, deaf and hearing impairment focus group)

We’ve usually got roadworks ahead or roundabout ahead or traffic lights ahead, but I don’t think there’s a sign to say that there is a Zebra crossing coming up.

(Participant F1, learning disability focus group)

A few participants also suggested that lowering the height of the Belisha beacon would make it easier for older people to see.

Surface/construction

Several participants across the focus groups suggested that Zebra crossings should have raised tables, which they perceived would serve several functions. For example, pedestrian prioritisation would be reinforced:

So as cars are going over it, they’re immediately realising that it’s a speed hump and they’re having to slow down, so there’s already the language of a driver slowing down, […] that does make me more comfortable using that one crossing.

(Participant M1, deaf and hearing impaired focus group)

Raised pedestrian crossings are much improved over the standard Zebra crossing for a wheelchair user.

(Email response, physically impaired participant)

A few participants stated that narrowing the carriageway and/or installing footway buildouts would make Zebra crossings more accessible. It was felt that built out kerb-lines would enhance sight lines make pedestrians’ intent to cross clearer to road users. Participants suggested that more efforts be made to ensure that refuge areas (at the central reservation and on either side) meet the minimum requirements for wheelchair and buggy access.

I think a very big issue on a lot of them [Zebra crossings] is if there’s a fair number of pedestrians just going up and down the footway and there’s no widening of the footway, you [road users] can’t pick out somebody who’s intending to cross, but if the road is narrowed and the footway widened, there’s what you would call a queuing point where you’re visible, still on the footway but not in the regular traffic flow.

(Participant M2, 65+ focus group)

If you have the raised table and a narrowing of the road so there’s only room for one lane of traffic in each direction so you can’t have cars trying to overtake. It’s the one of the things that a fairly wide road with no central reservation you can get a car overtaking one that is stopping and they can’t see somebody who’s stepped onto the crossing.

(Participant M1, 65+ focus group)

One of the physically impaired participants (wheelchair user) found that Zebra crossings are more likely to have dropped kerbs compared to other crossings. They noted that attempting to use Zebra crossings with dropped kerbs have caused them to fall out of their wheelchair on several occasions, as the kerb height was too high. As a result of these experiences, they suggested that the 0 to 6 mm rule of kerb design be more strictly enforced (if there is not a raised table).

Participants from the 65+ and the blind and visual impairment focus groups suggested installing CCTV cameras at Zebra crossings to act as a deterrent for drivers who may not act appropriately at crossings. They also suggested installing audible signals which indicated when it is safe to cross (though no specific solutions were mentioned).

For blind people, you should have something that will make a noise, like a beeping noise so they can hear when it is safe to cross over. But there is no noise at the Zebra crossing for blind people.

(Interview 2, deafblind participant)

Two participants in the learning disability focus group suggested more crossing patrol roles (equivalent of school crossing patrol officers) would be helpful.

Education and training

Most participants across all focus groups felt that there needed to be an increased awareness of how to use Zebra crossings, and that there is a requirement for improved road safety education.

Even for adults, particularly with learning difficulties, who are maybe just getting their independence, there isn’t really anything to say, oh, this is how you cross a Zebra crossing […], this is how to watch out for cars.

(Participant F1, learning disabilities focus group)

Several participants across all focus groups suggested that adverts and road safety education campaigns accessible through television, social media and video-sharing websites (e.g. YouTube) should be used to inform and remind all road users about the Highway Code, and how to use Zebra crossings. Many of these participants drew from their childhood memories of seeing such adverts on television. Road user education was deemed important, including promoting the hierarchy of road users (emphasising that pedestrians, those most at risk, are at the top of the hierarchy). Participants felt that adverts and campaigns should be more regular as people tend to forget the rules over time and may not be aware of changes to the Highway Code.

Several participants across all focus groups suggested that the Highway Code be more clearly written and accessible to the public, especially considering the recent changes. They felt that hard copies should be accessible to the public and that it should be easier to access online and for free (At the time of the focus groups the Highway Code was available for free online. Being that the purpose of the research was to gain an understanding of participants perceptions and experiences, the online availability of the Highway Code was not discussed during the focus group.).

A few participants from the physical impairment focus group also suggested that road users take part in ongoing testing and training to maintain their right to use the road, including disability awareness training.

If we go and teach in schools and teach the kids about disability awareness, my goodness the parents learn so quickly. So I think we have to start…start to teach the kids about the hierarchy of road users and what their responsibilities are, in simple terms, about what it is.

(Participant M1, physical impairment focus group)

…once you’ve passed your driving test, many people […] potentially do it at 17. Then they’re entitled to drive until they’re 75 without any review whatsoever. And over those 60 years, laws change, capability of cars change, the business of neighbourhoods change, and there’s no need to retest people, re-educate people, re-inform them about how that works. So I actually think the whole aspect of education and the permission to continue driving is a really important issue that people need to undergo. […] most other professional aspects of life you have to continue professional development training as part of your ongoing entitlement to participate.

(Participant M1, blind and visually impaired focus group)

Legislation/enforcement

Participants across all focus groups suggested various solutions related to legislation and enforcement of the Highway Code. One participant from the 65+ focus group suggested that the no parking rule within the Zebra zig-zag area be enforced more strictly as parking within this area obstructs visibility. Speed limit reduction (20 miles an hour maximum) was specifically mentioned across all focus groups. Another participant from the blind and visual impairment focus group emphasised that to be effective, legislation must be accompanied by enforcement. Legislation around ensuring the locations of crossings are sensible was suggested by participants in the deaf and hearing impairment and physical impairment focus groups.

Reasonable adjustments

Participants were asked what reasonable adjustments could be made to Zebra crossings to make them more accessible for individuals with disabilities.

This was a challenging question for participants to answer effectively, as it was felt the term ‘reasonable adjustments’ is too subjective; that one person’s view of what is reasonable is different to someone else’s, and most felt that Zebra crossings need to be equally safe and accessible to people of all ability groups. The discussion prompted participants to return to previously suggested improvements. One participant from the physical impairment focus group suggested that Equality Impact Assessments should be completed on all Zebra crossings to determine accessibility.

Other comments

Several participants felt that if Zebra crossings were more widespread and/or more widely used, drivers would behave more appropriately around them; they would be more ‘normal’ in the street environment, and pedestrians would be safer.

Participants across the focus groups and interviews felt that it was difficult to get Local Authorities to respond to some of the issues they described. Those participants who had been in contact with their Local Authority in the past regarding Zebra crossings or other road issues, were often told that there is no funding available for road maintenance and upkeep.

Councils don’t have enough money to spend either to maintain the roads in a reasonable condition or even to maintain the footways in a reasonable condition, never mind make any improvements.

(Participant M2, physical impairment focus group)

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