Explanatory note

This Instrument amends the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016 and the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016, together titled the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (“the 2016 Instrument”). The amendments apply only in relation to Wales.

The 2016 Instrument sets out, among other things, the signs required for Zebra crossings and makes provision for the movement of pedestrians and vehicles at and around Zebra crossings.

The purpose of this Instrument is to make amendments to the 2016 Instrument so that, in specified circumstances in Wales, some of the requirements for Zebra crossings set out in the 2016 Instrument will not apply.

Part 1 of this Instrument contains the Traffic Signs (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2026, which amend the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016 (“the 2016 Regulations”).

Regulations 3 and 4 make amendments to the 2016 Regulations to provide that, in certain circumstances, a Zebra crossing placed on a minor road in Wales does not need to have yellow globe lights or zig-zag markings. The circumstances are that the Zebra crossing is no more than 5 metres from the junction with a major road and that the speed limit on both the minor and major road is 20 mph or lower.

Regulation 5 makes amendments to the 2016 Regulations to also allow the distance between the limits of the Zebra crossing and the give way line to be reduced in these circumstances.

Regulation 6 amends the 2016 Regulations to provide an exception to the general prohibition against a driver stopping their vehicle within the limits of a Zebra crossing.

Part 2 of this Instrument contains the Traffic Signs (Amendment) (Wales) General Directions 2026, which make amendments to the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016 to disapply, in certain circumstances, the requirement for there to be a controlled area on each side of a Zebra crossing but require give way markings to be placed on the road. The circumstances are where the Zebra crossing is placed on a minor road in Wales no more than 5 metres from the junction with a major road, where the speed limit on both roads does not exceed 20 mph.