Section 8 of the TCD rule sets out the requirements for pedestrian crossings, school crossing points, school patrols and other pedestrian facilities.
The Rule states that:
A road controlling authority must use one or more of the following means of controlling traffic when requiring drivers to stop their vehicle while pedestrians cross a roadway:
(a) providing a pedestrian crossing [(zebra)];
(b) authorising a school patrol, and:
(c) specifying the pedestrian crossing at which it may operate; or
(i) providing a school crossing point at which the school patrol operates;
(d) providing pedestrian traffic signals.
There are multiple ways for pedestrians to cross a road which do not necessarily give pedestrians the right of way. As stated in clause 8.1(2) of the TCD rule:
A road controlling authority may use one or more of the following means of assisting pedestrians to cross a roadway but which, unless installed in conjunction with one of the devices described […in Section 7.1.1] does not require a driver to stop their vehicle while a pedestrian crosses the roadway:
(a) school wardens;
(b) devices, including:
(c) signs;
(i) markings, including flush medians;
(ii) surface texture or raised platforms;
(ii) kerb extensions or traffic islands.
Detailed information on pedestrian facilities, including determining the most appropriate facility is provided in the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Pedestrian Network Guidance.
Also refer to the Australasian Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Tool.
Australasian Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Tool(external link)
Guidelines to aid the selection of the most appropriate pedestrian facility can be found in the Pedestrian Network Guidance. Except for pedestrian crossings (zebra), the facilities described in this section may be used where cyclists are also permitted to use the crossing. For guidance regarding situations where cycle paths cross a road and traffic on the road is subject to priority control, refer to TCD manual Part 4 (in the process of being completed and will be available soon). Also refer to the Australasian Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Tool.
Australasian Pedestrian Crossing Facility Selection Tool(external link)
Having identified the preferred facility or facilities, it is essential that for each facility, the criteria in the relevant following sections of this manual are met, in order to ensure that the facility operates as intended and does not pose a hazard to users.
This section is structured with respect to increasing order of control and protection of active road users. In summary:
It is important when designing and installing the above measures to take care to accommodate the needs of all road users. In particular, care should be taken not to narrow the traffic lanes to the extent that a pinch point is created for cyclists, particularly in cases where cycle lanes are not provided.
At any crossing point an RCA may install more than one pedestrian facility; for example, kerb extensions and a pedestrian crossing (zebra).
