Westminster City Council has approved the installation of at least 20 new informal zebra crossings across the Bayswater ward. The decision, made by the council's Cabinet on Monday, March 16, 2026, allocates £250,000 from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) to fund the project.
This initiative is specifically tailored to the Bayswater ward, as the funding is allocated from the Bayswater neighbourhood area for 'Westminster City Council (WCC) Strategic Transport and Connectivity Informal Side-Road Zebra Crossings'.
The project aims to significantly improve pedestrian safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, by introducing low-cost, high-impact markings at side-road junctions where visibility is often poor and drivers are less likely to yield. This follows a successful trial by the council across 11 locations, which demonstrated a marked improvement in driver behaviour and pedestrian confidence.
During the trial, monitoring showed that many drivers were not stopping for pedestrians waiting to cross, especially when turning into side streets. This posed particular challenges for older adults, children, wheelchair users, and those with visual impairments. The informal zebra markings, which do not require full signalisation, are quick and cost-effective to install.
The project aligns with the council's CIL Spending Policy, supporting safer and more accessible neighbourhoods. It advances the priority of Sustainable and Active Travel by making walking safer and encouraging its use over driving. The inclusion of features like dropped kerbs and tactile paving also supports accessible and inclusive public spaces, benefiting all road users.
Bayswater ward councillors expressed support for the proposal, highlighting its potential to enhance safety and comfort for pedestrians and address local accessibility needs.
This decision was made as part of the council's Cabinet meeting on March 16, 2026. Further details on the council's CIL Spending Policy can be found in the Cabinet Report.
