Zig zag lines at traffic lights

[Fifteen15]

What do those zig zag lines mean at traffic lights? Is it illegal to filter over them?
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"

[scarborough_lad]

They mean that you can't pass another vehicle, in any lane. So no filtering, no overtaking or nuthin. Up to you whether you follow it or not of course.....
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'96 Suzuki GS500

[Clive L]

[covent.gardens]

I'm on my phone so can't check but I think you can overtake on zigzags as long as you do not overtake the lead vehicle.

[covent.gardens]

Beaten by seconds ;p

[kernow24]

Not that I know of, it's illegal to park on them though.

They are there to stop people parking near the crossing and obstructing others view of it.
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[Clive L]

[69.9mph]

[MattJ]

Filtered past coppers on those lines plenty of times and never been stopped. Don't think it's strictly legal but I'm not too sure on what. I think it's as other have said and you shouldn't overtake the front vehicle but I'm sure Rogerborg will be along soon to copy and paste the relevant part of the highway code.

[j.silvs]

Not a definite no that you can't filter past first vehicle, it's just not advisable. You can over take. Just not park or u turn

[Xinthus]

Pelican Crossing rules
•A solid amber light means the Pelican Crossing lights are about to change red. Solid Amber means slow down and prepare to stop.
•The zigzag lines painted on the road either side of a Pelican Crossing are areas where vehicles are not permitted to park. Parking in these areas obstructs the view of the crossing to other drivers and increases the chances of accidents to both drivers and pedestrians.
•The Pelican Crossing area must be kept clear at all times to allow the safe passage of pedestrians. Stopping in this area is hazardous for pedestrians and will certainly fail a driving test. If the police or cameras are present, a fine and penalty points may be incurred.
•A driver is not permitted to overtake another vehicle on a Pelican Crossing. Overtaking a cyclist is permitted.
•Gesturing pedestrians at a Pelican Crossing to cross should be avoided. A pedestrian may take this action as meaning it is safe to cross and is a common cause of accidents.
•It is an offence not to stop at a red light at a Pelican Crossing.
•A driver is permitted to proceed on a flashing amber providing the crossing is clear of pedestrians.

Pelican Crossing zigzag lines


Zigzag lines are painted either side of the road on Pelican Crossings to mark an area where parking is prohibited. Parking in these areas obscures the view of the crossing for other drivers.


Pelican Crossing

The Pelican Crossing was the first successful light controlled replacement for the Zebra Crossing. Used on busy town and city roads, it provides a safer means of crossing the road for pedestrians.

During the driving test, the driving test routes will include many different types of pedestrian crossings, many being the Pelican Crossing. The driving examiners have strict regulations when it comes to pedestrian crossings and many tests are failed due to these.

Understanding the rules not only as a pedestrian, but as a driver is essential if you wish to pass the driving test.


Pelican Crossing - Drivers

Whether in general driving or on a driving test, you are likely to encounter many Pelican Crossings. The way in which you approach them has an impact on the overall safety of the pedestrians and other road users. Always looking well ahead whilst driving, keep a keen eye for any signs indicating a pedestrian crossing ahead. A sign isn't always present, so also keep a look out for traffic lights.

Upon locating a Pelican Crossing ahead, initially check your interior mirror to establish if there are any vehicles behind you and is so, how close behind they are. What you see in your mirror may alter the way you approach the crossing. Keep looking up and down the crossing as you approach for any signs of pedestrians or cyclists waiting. If from a distance you can see pedestrians waiting, the chances are that by the time you reach the crossing, the lights will change.




If as you get closer, the lights still have not changed, decrease your speed gently as they are likely to change at any moment. If a car is driving close behind, decrease your speed more, to give them sufficient time to stop if necessary. Ensure you do not reduce speed to aggressively as this will be dangerous for vehicles behind you.

From a distance, you can also sometimes see the 'wait' sign illuminated on the control panel, even more so at night.

If on a driving test, the examiner will be checking your mirror observations and that you are aware there are pedestrians waiting.

If you can clearly see that there are no pedestrians or cyclists waiting at the crossing, continue at your normal driving speed.

If the Pelican Crossing lights change and you need to stop, ensure you stop just before the first (closest to you) line. If the Pelican Crossing is on a junction, there may also be a cyclists waiting area. Again, stop at the first line and keep the cyclist area clear.


Pelican crossing markings design



Stopping in the cyclist box will likely fail a driving test as you should have anticipated the lights changing on your approach to the crossing. On the flashing amber light, ensure the crossing is entirely clear before proceeding.
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CBT passed 22/01/2012 Theory Test Passed 14/04/12
Mod 1 Passed 17/09/2012 2nd time Mod 2 Passed 09/10/2012 1st Time
CBR600f oct 2012- May 2013, Kawasaki ZR7s May 2013 - Present day

[cimbian]

FFS! This is basic stuff. Read the highway code and stop being a friggin' hazard.
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22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[Rogerborg]

[MattJ]

What would be the penalty? Points and fine? Just fine?

[Skudd]

[Rogerborg]

[Faldo]