Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Better Connected Strategy published on 2 April 2026, whether she has had discussions with (a) Transport Scotland and (b) the Welsh Government on zebra crossings at the junction between roads.

The national transport strategy, Better Connected, was published on 2 April, in which the Department committed to update the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, the legislation for traffic signs and road markings. This will include changes including new, simpler zebra crossings that will make walking and wheeling easier, safer and more accessible.

Currently, to ensure consistency of design, zebra crossings are prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD). This sets out they must consist of black and white stripes, yellow globes, a give-way line and white zig-zag markings.

TSRGD applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland (The Traffic Signs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997, as amended) applies the same requirements for zebra crossings there.

Implementation of zebra crossings is the responsibility of local traffic authorities. It is for them to ensure designs comply with regulatory requirements. The Department provides detailed good practice advice in Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual, available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual.

Traffic signing is a devolved matter with the Scottish and Welsh Government being able to bring forward amendments to TSRGD in respect of their road networks. There is a statutory requirement for the Scottish and Welsh governments to consult the Secretary of State when doing so.

The Department engages regularly with its counterparts in Scotland and Wales on traffic management matters.