Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984

Part III E+W+S Crossings and Playgrounds

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. III modified (23.2.2017) by High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017 (c. 7), s. 70(1), Sch. 25 para. 5(2), (3)

Pedestrian crossings E+W+S

23 [F1 Powers of strategic highways companies and local traffic authorities with respect to pedestrian crossings] E+W+S

F2 [( 1 ) A [F3 strategic highways company or a] local traffic authority may establish crossings for pedestrians on roads for which they are the traffic authority, and may alter or remove any such crossings.

The crossings shall be indicated in the manner prescribed by regulations under section 25 of this Act.]

(2) Before establishing, altering, or removing a crossing a [F3 strategic highways company or a] [F4 local traffic authority]—

(a) shall consult the chief officer of police about their proposal to do so; [F5 and]

(b) shall give public notice of that proposal; F6 ...

F6 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) It shall be the duty of a [F3 strategic highways company or a ] [F4 local traffic authority] to execute any works (including the placing, erection, maintenance, alteration and removal of marks and traffic signs) required—

(a) in connection with the establishment, alteration or removal of crossings in accordance with regulations having effect under section 25 of this Act, or

(b) in connection with the indication of crossings in accordance with such regulations.

F7 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 23 heading substituted (5.3.2015) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), s. 57(1), Sch. 1 para. 78(3); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(a)

F2 S. 23(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 35(2); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2. and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F3 Words in s. 23(1)-(3) inserted (5.3.2015) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), s. 57(1), Sch. 1 para. 78(2); S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(a)

F4 Words in s. 23(2)(3) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para. 35(3); which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F5 Word in s. 23(2)(a) inserted (S.) (10.10.2005) by Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp. 12), ss. 44(a), 54(2); S.S.I. 2005/454, art. 2, Sch. 2

F6 S. 23(2)(c) and preceding word repealed (S.) (10.10.2005) by virtue of Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp. 12), ss. 44(b), 54(2); S.S.I. 2005/454, art. 2, Sch. 2; and omitted (E.W.S) (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(o), Sch. 10 para. 23(a)

F7 S. 23(4) repealed by Local Government Act 1984 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 102(2)(3), Sch. 17

F8 S. 23(5) repealed (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 23(5), Sch.9; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 23: transfer of functions (E.W.) (1.4.2011) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/908), arts. 1, 8(1)(b)

C3 S. 23: functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (30.1.2021) by The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/112), arts. 1(2), 21(1)(a)(2)-(5)

C4 S. 23: functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (20.12.2023) by The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1432), arts. 1(2), 18(1)(2) (with art. 18(5))

24 Pedestrian crossings on [F9 other] roads. E+W+S

[F10 The [F11 national authority] shall establish on roads for which [F12 the national authority] is the traffic authority such crossings] for pedestrians as [F12 the national authority] considers necessary, [F10 and execute] any works (including the placing, erection, maintenance, alteration and removal of marks and traffic signs) required in connection with the establishment of those crossings.

Textual Amendments

F9 Word in s. 24 heading substituted (5.3.2015) by Infrastructure Act 2015 (c. 7), s. 57(1), Sch. 1 para. 79; S.I. 2015/481, reg. 2(a)

F10 Words in s. 24 substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.36; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F11 Words in s. 24 substituted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), s. 72(7), Sch. 2 para. 5(a)

F12 Words in s. 24 substituted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), s. 72(7), Sch. 2 para. 5(b)

25 Pedestrian crossing regulations. E+W+S

(1) The [F13 relevant authority] may make regulations with respect to the precedence of vehicles and pedestrians respectively, and generally with respect to the movement of traffic (including pedestrians), at and in the vicinity of crossings.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, regulations under that subsection may be made—

(a) prohibiting pedestrian traffic on the carriageway within 100 yards of a crossing, and

(b) with respect to the indication of the limits of a crossing, or of any other matter whatsoever relating to the crossing, by marks or devices on or near the roadway or otherwise, and generally with respect to the erection of traffic signs in connection with a crossing.

(3) Different regulations may be made under this section in relation to different traffic conditions, and in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing words) different regulations may be made in relation to crossings in the vicinity of, and at a distance from, a junction of roads, and in relation to traffic which is controlled by the police, and by traffic signals, and by different kinds of traffic signals, and traffic which is not controlled.

(4) Regulations may be made under this section applying only to a particular crossing or particular crossings specified in the regulations.

(5) A person who contravenes any regulations made under this section shall be guilty of an offence.

(6) In this section “crossing” means a crossing for pedestrians established—

(a) by a local authority under section 23 of this Act, or

(b) by the [F14 national authority] in the discharge of the duty imposed on [F15 the national authority] by section 24 of this Act,

and (in either case) indicated in accordance with the regulations having effect as respects that crossing; and, for the purposes of a prosecution for a contravention of the provisions of a regulation having effect as respects a crossing, the crossing shall be deemed to be so established and indicated unless the contrary is proved.

[F16 (7) In this section “"relevant authority”” means—

(a) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning of the Scotland Act 1998, means the Scottish Ministers;

(b) in relation to a function so far as exercisable within devolved competence, within the meaning given by section 58A(7) and (8) of the Government of Wales Act 2006, means the Welsh Ministers;

(c) otherwise, means the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 25(1) substituted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 26(3)(a), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

F14 Words in s. 25(6)(b) substituted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), s. 72(7), Sch. 2 para. 6(a)

F15 Words in s. 25(6)(b) substituted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), s. 72(7), Sch. 2 para. 6(b)

F16 S. 25(7) inserted (1.4.2018) by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), ss. 26(3)(b), 71(4) (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6, 9); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(f)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 25(1) amended (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 4 Sch. 3; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

School crossings E+W+S

26 Arrangements for patrolling school crossings. E+W+S

(1) Arrangements may be made by the appropriate authority for the patrolling of places where children cross roads on their way to or from school, or from one part of a school to another, F17 . . . by persons appointed by or on behalf of the appropriate authority, other than constables.

[F18 (1A) Arrangements under subsection (1) above may be made for patrolling places at such times as the appropriate authority think fit.]

[F19 (1A) Arrangements under subsection (1) above may be made for patrolling places at such times as the authority thinks fit.]

(2) For the purposes of this section, in its application to England and Wales, the appropriate authority—

(a) as respects places [F20 outside Greater London] shall be the council of the county [F21 or metropolitan district] in which the places in question are;

(b) as respects places in the City of London, shall be the Common Council of the City; and

[F22 (c) as respects places in a London borough, shall be the council for the borough,]

and for the purposes of this section, in its application to Scotland, the appropriate authority shall be the [F23 council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994] .

(3) The functions of the appropriate authority for the purposes of arrangements under subsection (1) above shall include the duty to satisfy themselves of the adequate qualifications of persons appointed to patrol, and to provide requisite training of persons to be appointed.

(4) In taking decisions as to making arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F24 (a)] in England or Wales, the council of a county [F21 or metropolitan district]. . ., shall have regard to any representations made to them F25 . . . by local authorities for localities in the county [F26 or], [F21 metropolitan district]. . ., as the case may be, [F27 and

(b) in Scotland, the regional council shall have regard to any representations made to them by district councils for areas in the region.]

[F28 (4A) Before making arrangements under subsection (1) above for the patrolling of places where children cross GLA roads, a London borough council or the Common Council of the City of London must consult Transport for London and take account of any representations made by Transport for London.]

(5) Any arrangements under subsection (1) above—

[F29 (a)] if made in England or Wales by the council of the county [F30 ,London borough][F31 or metropolitan district as respects places in the county [F30 , London borough] or district], may include an agreement between that council and the [F32 chief officer of police of the police force maintained] for the police area in which those places are, [F33 or

(b) if made in Scotland by a regional council, may include an agreement between that council and any district council whose area comprises the place to which the arrangements relate,]

for the performance by the [F34 chief officer], [F35 or, in Scotland, the district council,] on such terms as may be specified in the agreement, of such functions for the purposes of the arrangements as may be so specified.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 26(1) omitted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by virtue of 2000 c. 38, s. 270(2)(a); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 2 Pt. II) and repealed (E.W.) (prosp.) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 274, 275, Sch. 31 Pt. V(2) and repealed (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 77(2) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(3), Sch. Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3, 4)

F18 S. 26(1A) inserted (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 77(3) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions and savings in arts. 3, 4)

F19 S. 26(1A) inserted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 270(2)(b); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F20 Words in s. 26(2)(a) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(a) (with Sch. 12 para 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F21 Words inserted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(b)

F22 S. 26(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(2)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F23 Words in s. 26(2) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(a) (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F24 Word “a" in s. 26(4) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F25 Words in s. 26(4) ceased to have effect (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(3)(a) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)) and words repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 423, Sch. 34 Pt. VI (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F26 Words in s. 26(4) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(3)(b) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1))

F27 s. 26(4)(b) and preceding word “and" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(b)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F28 S. 26(4A) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F29 Word “a" in s. 26(5) repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(i), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F30 Words in s. 26(5) inserted (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 288(1)(5) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

F31 Words substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(10)(c)

F32 Words in s. 26(5) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 165(a); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F33 s. 26(5)(b) and preceding word “or" repealed (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(ii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F34 Words in s. 26(5) substituted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 165(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F35 Words in s. 26(5) repealed (S.)(1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 134(3)(c)(iii), Sch. 14 (with s. 179); S.I. 1996/323, art. 3

F36 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 27 repealed (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 288(1)(6), 423, Sch. 34 Pt. VI (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 2000/801, art. 2, Sch.

28 Stopping of vehicles at school crossings. E+W+S

(1) When F37 . . . a vehicle is approaching a place in a road where [F38 a person is] crossing or seeking to cross the road, a school crossing patrol wearing a uniform approved by the [F39 national authority] shall have power, by exhibiting a prescribed sign, to require the person driving or propelling the vehicle to stop it.

(2) When a person has been required under subsection (1) above to stop a vehicle—

(a) he shall cause the vehicle to stop before reaching the place where the [F40 person is] crossing or seeking to cross and so as not to stop or impede [F41 his] crossing, and

(b) the vehicle shall not be put in motion again so as to reach the place in question so long as the sign continues to be exhibited.

(3) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (a) of subsection (2) above, or who causes a vehicle to be put in motion in contravention of paragraph (b) of that subsection, shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) In this section—

(a) “prescribed sign” means a sign of a size, colour and type prescribed by regulations made by the [F39 national authority] or, if authorisation is given by the [F39 national authority] for the use of signs of a description not so prescribed, a sign of that description;

(b) “school crossing patrol” means a person authorised to patrol in accordance with arrangements under section 26 of this Act;

and regulations under paragraph (a) above may provide for the attachment of reflectors to signs or for the illumination of signs.

(5) For the purposes of this section—

(a) where it is proved that a sign was exhibited by a school crossing patrol, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, to be of a size, colour and type prescribed, or of a description authorised, under subsection (4)(b) above, and, if it was exhibited in circumstances in which it was required by the regulations to be illuminated, to have been illuminated in the prescribed manner; [F42 and]

(b) where it is proved that a school crossing patrol was wearing a uniform, the uniform shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, to be a uniform approved by the [F39 national authority] ; F43 . . .

(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F37 Words in s. 28(1) omitted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) and repealed (E.W.) (prosp.) by virtue of 2000 c. 38, ss. 270(3)(a)(i), 274, 275, Sch. 31 Pt. V(2); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II); and those same words repealed (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 77(4)(a) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to arts. 3, 4)

F38 Words in s. 28(1) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) and (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 270(3)(a)(ii); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II) and 2001 asp 2, s. 77(4)(b) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to arts. 3, 4)

F39 Words in s. 28 substituted (23.5.2016) by Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11), s. 72(7), Sch. 2 para. 7

F40 Words in s. 28(2)(a) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) and (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 270(3)(b)(i); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II) and 2001 asp 2, s. 77(5)(a) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to arts. 3, 4)

F41 Words in s. 28(2)(a) substituted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) and (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 270(3)(b)(ii); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II) and 2001 asp 2, s. 77(5)(b) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to arts. 3, 4)

F42 Word in s. 28(5)(a) inserted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 270(3)(c)(i); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II)

F43 S. 28(5)(c) and the preceding word omitted (E.W.) (30.1.2001) and repealed (E.W.) (prosp.) by virtue of 2000 c. 38, ss. 270(3)(c)(ii), 274, 275, Sch. 31 Pt. V(2); S.I. 2001/57, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to Sch. 2 Pt. II); and that same sub-provision and word repealed (S.) (1.4.2001) by 2001 asp 2, s. 77(6) (with s. 66); S.S.I. 2001/132, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. I (subject to arts. 3, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 28(4)(a): certain functions transferred (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1750, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

Street playgrounds E+W+S

[F44 29 Power to prohibit traffic on roads to be used as playgrounds. E+W+S

(1) For the purpose of enabling a road for which they are the traffic authority to be used as a playground for children, a local traffic authority may make an order prohibiting or restricting the use of the road by vehicles, or by vehicles of any specified class, either generally or on particular days or during particular hours.

The prohibition or restriction may be subject to such exceptions and conditions as to occasional use or otherwise as may be specified in the order.

(2) An order under this section shall make provision for permitting reasonable access to premises situated on or adjacent to the road.

(3) A person who uses a vehicle or causes or permits a vehicle to be used, in contravention of an order in force under this section shall be guilty of an offence.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 29 substituted for ss. 29, 30 (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.37; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch. 2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31 Byelaws with respect to roads used as playgrounds. E+W+S

(1) Where an order is or has been made [F48 under section 29 of this Act, the local traffic authority may] make byelaws authorising the use of the road as a playground for children and making provision—

(a) with respect to the admission of children to the road when used as a playground;

(b) with respect to the safety of children so using the road and their protection from injury by vehicles using the road for access to premises situated on or adjacent to it or otherwise; and

(c) generally with respect to the proper management of the road when used as a playground for children.

(2) Byelaws under this section [F49 made by a local traffic authority in England] shall be subject to confirmation [F50 by the Secretary of State].

Textual Amendments

F48 Words in s. 31(1) substituted (1.11.1991) by New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (c. 22, SIF 59, 108), s. 168(1), Sch. 8 para.38; which substitution is in force for Scotland only by S.I. 1991/2286, art. 2(2), Sch.2, and for England and Wales only by S.I. 1991/2288, art. 3,Sch.

F49 Words in s. 31(2) inserted (W.) (31.3.2015) by Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012 (anaw 2), s. 22(2), Sch. 2 para. 13(2); S.I. 2015/1025, art. 2(r) (with art. 3)

F50 Words in s. 31(2) substituted by Local Government Act 1985 (c. 51, SIF 81:1), ss. 1, 2, 8(1), Sch. 5 para. 4(13)