Labour makes Westminster streets safer with new side-road zebra crossings
Labour Westminster Council is trialling side-road zebra crossings, designed to boost pedestrian safety by encouraging drivers to yield in line with recent Highway Code changes. The paint-only, cost-effective markings have showed increased compliance, with driver stops up to 85% at tested locations.
The initiative aims to support the Highway Code’s Rule H2, which say that drivers turning into or out of a junction must give way to pedestrians crossing.
The “informal” crossings feature painted white stripes at junctions but do not include flashing belisha beacons found on standard pedestrian crossings.
Following tests in 2025 at 11 locations around Westminster, including sites in the West End, Millbank and Chapel Street area, between Edgware Road and Old Marylebone Road, driver compliance increased from as low as 15% to nearly 100% in some areas.
The trials indicate that the painted crossings effectively encourage drivers to give way to pedestrians at side roads.
Due to the success of the trial, at least 20 more new informal zebra crossings are planned for streets in Westminster over the coming months.
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