Please Don’t Paint on Zebra Crossings: Keep Our Roads Safe for Everyone
Zebra crossings are one of the simplest, most effective tools we have to keep pedestrians safe. Those bold black and white stripes instantly tell drivers to stop and allow people to cross.
Unfortunately, some residents and visitors have been painting or marking zebra crossings. While it may seem harmless, this type of vandalism can put lives at risk.
Why Painting Zebra Crossings is Dangerous
• Confuses Drivers: Any extra markings or colours can make it harder for drivers to recognise the crossing, delaying their reaction.
• Puts Pedestrians at Risk: Drivers rely on the clarity of those white stripes. Distraction or hesitation could mean they don’t stop in time.
• Reduces Grip: The special paint used on crossings contains slip-resistant material. Household or spray paints can make the surface slippery, especially in rain, increasing the chance of falls.
• Costs Everyone: Council teams must clean or resurface vandalised crossings, diverting funds away from other community services.
Respect the Rules – They’re There for You
Zebra crossings aren’t just paint on the road, they’re a carefully designed, regulated safety feature that protects children, parents, older residents, cyclists, and everyone else in the community.
When someone paints over them, they’re tampering with an official road safety system. In fact, defacing a crossing is a criminal offence under road traffic law.
What You Can Do
• Don’t add markings or graffiti to any road surface.
• Report vandalism if you see it contact Cheshire West and Chester Council online or by phone.
• Spread the word to friends and neighbours about why crossings must stay clear and official.
Together, We Keep Crossings Safe
Every time you walk across a zebra crossing, you’re putting your trust in a system designed to protect you. Let’s keep it working as intended: clear, visible, and safe.
Please help us protect the safety of our community and resist the temptation to paint, draw, or mark zebra crossings.
