Edinburgh council rules out low-cost zebra crossings because there is no legislative backing to enforce them
Plans to trial low-cost continental-style zebra crossings in Edinburgh are to be shelved because there is no current legal backing for them.
Councillors had wanted to launch a pilot study of the crossings - which use the familiar black and white zebra markings on the road, but without Belisha beacons, meaning they are much cheaper to install.
But when the council contacted Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, enquiring about the legislative options, she indicated there was currently no legislative backing for the crossings - although she suggested further discussions.
Morningside Lib Dem councillor Neil Ross, who proposed the crossings in 2021, argued they could improve safety in side streets, slowing down traffic and encouraging more parents to switch from the car to walking their children to school.
Such crossings are often used in supermarket car parks, retail parks, hospitals and airports.
They have been trialled in Manchester, Cardiff and Ireland. And recent legislation in Wales allows for their installation there.
When the issue was discussed by the transport committee in April 2025 and it was agreed to write to Ms Hyslop, it was also decided a study should only proceed if legislative options to allow it were available.
An update for this week's meeting of the committee says: "The Cabinet Secretary responded but offered no current legislative route to allow the introduction of continental style zebra crossings on public roads in Scotland. The decision of the committee taken on 3 April 2025 is therefore that the proposed study should not proceed."
In her letter, Ms Hyslop said Transport for Scotland had been engaging with the UK Department for Transport over a trial being conducted in England.
"As this research has progressed it is understood that, if appropriate, the introduction of side road zebras could be achieved under legislation that is devolved. I have asked Transport Scotland officials to seek further legal confirmation, as they consider the effectiveness of this type of crossing upon review of the published trial findings.
"If local authorities in Scotland wish to implement a trial it would mean their acceptance that any crossing, under trial conditions, may be unenforceable which comes with risks. A collective way forward may be to proceed with shared discussions on the potential risks, benefits and opportunities of trialling and ultimately introducing side road zebra crossings in Scotland."
Edinburgh transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said he supported the idea of low-cost crossings but without a legislative path they could not be enforced.
"I think the general feeling on the committee is this would be a positive step. I think if we had the powers, people would want to trial it out and see what it looks like.
"They do have powers in Wales under legislation that came in this year, but we don't have the same powers in Scotland.
"I think it is a good idea. Anything that improves road safety is a good idea. It's low cost and under certain conditions I think they could be positive. But you need a legislative framework to enforce it, so unless you've got that in place we can't do anything about it."
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