Pedestrians in road sign: what it means
The pedestrians in road sign warns that people may be walking in the road ahead, usually because there is no pavement. A plate may show how far it applies.
What does the pedestrians in road sign mean?
Know your traffic signs describes it as pedestrians in road ahead, with a plate for the distance shown.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Older or disabled people may cross ahead.
- A zebra or parallel crossing is ahead.
- People may be walking in the road ahead.
Show answer
C. People may be walking in the road ahead. Pedestrians in the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 2, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 163, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 206, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On country lanes and village roads without a pavement.
What should you do?
Slow down and be ready to stop. When you pass a pedestrian walking in the road, allow at least 2 metres and keep to a low speed (rule 163).
What do people get wrong?
Squeezing past walkers at speed on a narrow lane. If you cannot give 2 metres, wait behind until you can.
Common questions
How much room should I give someone walking in the road?
At least 2 metres, at a low speed (The Highway Code, rule 163).
Which side do walkers use on roads without a pavement?
The Highway Code advises pedestrians to walk on the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic, so they may be on your side of the road (rule 2).
Compare with
Frail pedestrians signOlder or disabled people may cross ahead.
Pedestrian crossing signA zebra or parallel crossing is ahead.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rules 2, 163 and 206.
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 2, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 163, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 206, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.