A pedestrian crossing is an area of road that allows pedestrians to cross the road safely. There are broadly speaking two types of crossings: The first has white stripes marked across it. Some crossings have raised islands in the middle, creating a ‘refuge' where pedestrians can stop. 

These are helpful for pedestrians crossing wide, two-way roads or multi-lane roads, because they allow them to walk across one direction of traffic at a time. The other has white lines and are often found in more trafficated areas. Both types of pedestrian crossings may be controlled by traffic lights, which pedestrians and vehicles must adhere to.

As you drive towards a pedestrian crossing, you will see pedestrian crossing signs before the crossing and red and white poles at the crossing. 

When coming up to pedestrian crossings:

1. Slow down and be ready to stop for any pedestrians stepping onto, or on the crossing. This also includes people obviously waiting to use the crossing.
2. If there is no raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on any part of the crossing
3. If there is a raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on your half of the road
4. Wait until the pedestrian has crossed in front of you and is clear of your vehicle before you proceed - see give way rules.

If you find yourself in a queue of traffic near a pedestrian crossing, don't move onto the crossing if there isn't enough room for your vehicle on the other side of the crossing. Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrians do not have the right to enter a pedestrian crossing suddenly so that approaching vehicles are unable to stop safely. Pedestrians should cross the road at pedestrian crossings only or at a distance of more than 50 metres from the crossing.