4.2 Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable people on the road, and crossings are where drivers and pedestrians are legally required to cooperate. The rules are in Part XIII (regulation 115) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 1984, the Seventh Schedule, and regulation 113 for pedestrian light signals.

What a crossing looks like (Seventh Schedule)

A crossing to which the Seventh Schedule applies is marked on the carriageway with a pattern of alternate black and white stripes. Where the road surface already contrasts well with white, the surface itself can form the "black" stripes.

• Each stripe is normally at least 40 cm wide (or not less than 30 cm where the Chief Technical Officer authorises it).
• The first stripe at each end may be up to 100 cm wide, and other stripes up to 56 cm (up to 66 cm where authorised).
• The stripes run between lines of studs that mark the crossing's limits.

A "Pedestrian crossing ahead" warning triangle is often placed before crossings that are hidden by bends or crests (see 2.2).

Uncontrolled crossings and pedestrian precedence

An uncontrolled crossing is one marked under the Seventh Schedule where traffic is not for the time being controlled by a police officer, traffic warden in uniform or other authorised person (reg. 115(1)(b)). At such a crossing:

• Every pedestrian on the carriageway within the limits of the crossing has precedence over any vehicle, and the driver "shall accord such precedence," if the pedestrian is on the carriageway within those limits before the vehicle or any part of it has come onto the carriageway within those limits (reg. 115(3)).
• A pedestrian waiting on the kerb does not yet have legal precedence, but a careful driver slows down and is ready to stop for anyone who looks as if they will cross.

No stopping on or near a crossing

Breaking regulation 115(3) to (6) is an offence (reg. 115(7)). Why the 10-metre rule matters: a vehicle parked close to a crossing hides small children and wheelchair users from approaching drivers.

Crossings controlled by people or lights

• Police or wardens. When a uniformed police officer or traffic warden is controlling a crossing, follow their signals. Pedestrians must also obey a police officer regulating traffic (reg. 150).
• Pedestrian lights (reg. 113). A steady red figure means pedestrians should not cross. A steady green figure means they should cross. A flashing green figure means they should not start to cross. Drivers follow their own vehicle signals, but must expect pedestrians still on the crossing when the green figure starts flashing.

Driving safely near crossings

1. Look well ahead for the stripes, the studs and people waiting at the kerb, especially near schools, shops, bus stops and churches.
2. Slow down early so that you can stop smoothly if someone steps out.
3. Stop before the crossing, not on it, when traffic ahead is queuing. Leave the crossing clear.
4. Do not overtake near a crossing. A vehicle ahead may be stopping for a pedestrian you cannot see. Regulation 31(6) also forbids overtaking where you cannot see far enough ahead.
5. Be patient. Do not rev your engine, edge forward or sound the horn at people on the crossing.
6. Remember children and older people. They may move unpredictably or slowly, so allow them time.

School crossings

Near schools, children may cross with the help of a school crossing warden. Barbados test papers stress obeying wardens' signals and watching for children around stopped buses and parked vans. Drive slowly through school areas at opening and closing times even when no special limit is posted.

Common exam traps

• "The pedestrian must wait until traffic stops." At an uncontrolled crossing the law runs the other way: once the pedestrian is on the carriageway within the crossing first, you must give way.
• "Stopping on the crossing is fine in a traffic jam." It is not. Stop short and keep the stripes clear.
• "Waving pedestrians across is polite." Let pedestrians decide for themselves. A wave can lead someone into the path of a vehicle in the next lane that has not stopped.
• Distance numbers. The statutory figure for not stopping near a crossing, corner or bus stop is 10 metres (reg. 31(9)(a)).