Pedestrian And Courtesy Crossings

On average, 36 pedestrians are killed and 1000 pedestrians are injured on New Zealand roads every year. In Marlborough and in the rest of New Zealand there are two main types of pedestrian crossings. It is important that both pedestrians and motorists know the different rules that apply to each crossing type.

Pedestrian Crossings

Motorists approaching a pedestrian crossing should always be prepared to slow down and be ready to stop for any pedestrians stepping onto, or on the crossing. This also includes people waiting to use the crossing.

A pedestrian crossing is an area of road that has white stripes marked across it and you will also notice black and white poles at the crossing. The poles are mounted with fluorescent orange disks, or round yellow lights that flash at night. White diamonds are sometimes painted on the road before the crossing, and a white limit line shows you where to stop.

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.

Courtesy Crossings

Courtesy crossings are not official pedestrian crossings. They provide a place where drivers can stop safely to allow pedestrians to cross. However, drivers are not obliged to stop at courtesy crossings, so use them with care.

Courtesy crossings are usually made of bricks or paving and are often raised above the level of the road. Although not official pedestrian crossings, they do provide a place for pedestrians to cross. Drivers should always be courteous to pedestrians using a courtesy crossing.

General Rules for Pedestrian Crossings

•  Cross the road only when it is safe to do so
• Always check all nearby roads for vehicles before you cross and quickly walk straight across the road
• Remember, it takes time for a vehicle to stop. Be sensible and wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road
• When crossing the road at an intersection, remember to check behind and in front for turning vehicles
• If you need to cross the road when you get off a bus, wait until the bus has moved away before checking for moving vehicles
• If you are within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing you must use the crossing provided to cross the road
• Be careful when driving past parked vehicles; pedestrians may walk out without warning
• Don't step out suddenly onto a pedestrian crossing if any vehicles are so close to the crossing that they cannot stop
• Never overtake a vehicle that is slowing down for a pedestrian crossing or has stopped to let someone cross.

 

School Crossings

School crossings, also known as kea crossings, provide a safe place for children to safely cross the road. They generally only operate before and after school. When school crossings are operating, a fluorescent orange “Children” sign will be displayed, along with a school patrol stop sign, which swings out into the road. When the school patrol stop sign is out, vehicles coming from both directions must stop and stay stopped until all signs have been pulled in.