Driving expert shares little-known meaning of 'confusing' zig-zag markings

Road markings can be confusing, and it's crucial to learn what they mean or you risk endangering pedestrians and fellow motorists - here's some advice on one set of markings you should know

Road markings can be puzzling, especially if it's been years since you passed your driving test and haven't brushed up on what they actually mean. But understanding their significance is essential, or you could put pedestrians and other drivers at risk.

Annie Winterburn, who runs Spot On Driving, recently drew attention to a particular set of road markings that confuse many people - and they're absolutely critical for pedestrian safety. In her TikTok post to @theorytestpractice, Annie asked her 1.2million followers whether they understood what "zig-zag road markings actually mean".

The driving instructor went on to explain that you'll "see zig-zag markings when you're driving towards a crossing".

She also pointed out that, as a basic rule, when there's "more paint on the road it means more danger or more restrictions".

Using a practical example, Annie showed that there are longer lines with short gaps between them, which are hazard lines, leading up to the zig-zag lines positioned right before a pedestrian crossing.

Annie then explained what this means for UK motorists: "What you're not allowed to do is park on these zig-zag lines. If you park on these lines then cars approaching the crossing can't see the crossing. And people on the crossing can't see the approaching vehicles. So don't park on zig-zag lines."

The motoring expert also pointed out that drivers aren't allowed to "overtake the vehicle that's closest to the zig-zag lines".

It seems countless motorists were baffled by these road markings, with many thanking Annie for clearing up the confusion.

Annie has previously explained another road marking that leaves people scratched their heads - two yellow lines on a kerb.

She made it clear: "Yellow lines on the road mean no waiting. Waiting is the same as parking. So when you see two yellow lines painted on the road you can stop to drop somebody off, you can stop to pick somebody up, but you're not allowed to wait there. You're not allowed to park there."

Regarding red lines, Annie revealed they mean you cannot stop at all: "It would be a red route. It might be somewhere like London or Birmingham."

But drivers often get muddled up with lines on kerbs which actually have nothing to do with motorists.

These are loading marks designed for delivery vehicles, as the driving expert clarified: "They are for people making deliveries. These are loading lines. So people who might want to stop their van or their lorry to deliver something or collect something."