White zig zag lines are placed either side of the pedestrian crossing areas at all UK
pedestrian crossings. Prohibition of parking in the white zig zag area increases the safety of pedestrians crossing the road as they will have a clear view or the road in both directions. An unobstructed view of the crossing for motorists is especially important at zebra crossings and light controlled crossings where the lights have changed to green for the motorists but a pedestrian may still be crossing - this can be particularly relevant to the elderly who may take longer to cross or children crossing at an inappropriate time.