Europe - things painted on road that look like crossings

[numtumfutunch]

Every time I go to mainland Europe, it doesnt matter which country, I see road markings painted across the carriageway that look just like our zebra crossings

The difference is if you stand next to one as a pedestrian Jonny Foreigner will never, ever stop to let you cross and if youre in a car and stop for a ped standing near one you get incredularity from the person on the footpath and road rage from the cars made to stop behind you (assuming they dont just overtake you)

So whats the point?

[sleep envy]

numtumfutunch said:

So whats the point?

To flatten the Englanders.

HTH

[897sma]

Except Switzerland where pedestrians just walk straight across them without looking or slowing their pace. No mater how busy the road

[berlintaxi]

Try Iceland, the drivers stop whenever you stand on a curb.

[Piersman2]

berlintaxi said:

Try Iceland, the drivers stop whenever you stand on a curb.

Yes, had a few confusing stand-offs with drivers in Reykjavik the other week. Me waiting for a gap, them waiting for me!

And the principle in Europe with regards to the crossings... the drivers don't have to stop, but they are in BIG trouble if they do run someone down on a crossing!

[Riley Blue]

I've just spent the weekend in France, driving the back roads and noticed that as you enter each town or village there's a sign giving the number of pedestrian crossings on the road you're driving; one town had 18. I never did see anyone crossing on them, not in that town or any other.

[sunbeam alpine]

I agree OP - it's very confusing. I've lived in Belgium since the late 90's. When I first came here I stopped for all crossings, which sometimes led to a lot of hooting from cars behind me and looks of amazement from pedestrians.

A couple of years ago, they changed the law to say you DO have to stop. By that time I'd become foreign enough to not stop in order to let people cross the road, which made my brain explode.

Just don't get me started on their laws on who has right of way at junctions!