Use of colour on crossings

The use of coloured surfacing or roadway art on or adjacent to crossings can highlight a crossing point, reinforce slow vehicle speeds and contribute to an attractive streetscape. However, the inappropriate use of colour or roadway art can be misleading or confusing for pedestrians and other road users.

Coloured surfacing beneath zebra crossings (eg red) can result in insufficient contrast beneath the crossing bars. The recommended approach that meets the needs of all road users and aligns with relevant legislation is to apply areas of red coloured surfacing on the vehicle approaches to zebra crossings as outlined in the zebra crossings section.

PNG: Zebra crossings

Roadway art is permitted under the Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices (2004) provided that it:

• is installed in a lower risk environment (vehicle operating speeds of 30km/h or less after the art and any other features have been installed)
• does not resemble and is not similar to an official road marking or sign (traffic control device), roadway art should not be confused with give way markings or zebra crossings for example
• does not mislead road users about the meaning of any traffic control device (official sign or marking) and
• is not part of or visually integrated into an official road marking.

Further information on when roadway art can be used, how it should be applied, and some permitted examples are provided in the Roadway Art guidance found under the Tactical Urbanism Handbook.

Draft Handbook for Tactical Urbanism in Aotearoa

It is recommended to engage early with local disability groups regarding any plans for roadway art at a crossing to ensure it is fit for purpose and incorporates the principles of inclusive pedestrian environments: that is safe, obvious and with step-free choices.

PNG: Principles of Safe, Obvious and Step-free (SOS)

PNG: Disability sector engagement