Pedestrian zoneHungary

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8. Pedestrian zone

A pedestrian zone is an area consisting of one or more streets that are reserved primarily for pedestrians. Motor-vehicle access is normally prohibited or restricted to authorised users, particular purposes or specified times.

Pedestrians may usually use the full width of the available road space. Rules concerning cyclists, deliveries, public transport, vehicle speed, stopping and parking depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Pedestrian zone
Pedestrian zone and parking area on Váci Street. (Budapest, Hungary)
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What is a pedestrian zone?

A pedestrian zone is an area where pedestrians are the principal road users and ordinary motor-vehicle access is prohibited or strictly restricted.

How can you recognise a pedestrian zone?

A pedestrian zone is normally identified by a special entrance sign. An end sign indicates where the pedestrian-zone rules stop applying.

Is a pedestrian zone the same as a pavement?

No. A pavement is a part of a road intended for pedestrians. A pedestrian zone may include the entire width of one or more streets, squares or other public spaces.

Is a pedestrian zone completely free of vehicles?

Not always. Emergency vehicles, maintenance vehicles, public transport, delivery vehicles, residents or other authorised traffic may be permitted under local rules.

May cyclists enter a pedestrian zone?

This depends on the traffic signs and local law. Cycling may be permitted at all times, during specified hours or not at all. Cyclists who are not permitted to ride may normally walk while pushing their bicycles.

Must cyclists give way to pedestrians?

Where cycling is permitted, cyclists must normally adapt their speed and avoid hindering or endangering pedestrians. They may be required to dismount when the zone is crowded.

May electric scooters enter a pedestrian zone?

This depends on how electric scooters are legally classified and on the signs displayed. They may be treated as pedestrians at very low speeds, as cyclists or as another vehicle category.

May pedestrians use the whole street?

Usually, yes. Pedestrians may generally use the full width of the pedestrian zone, although marked sections may be reserved for authorised vehicles, cyclists or public transport.

Do pedestrians have priority over authorised vehicles?

Authorised drivers must normally travel cautiously, leave pedestrians sufficient space and stop when necessary. The precise priority rule depends on local law.

What is the speed limit for authorised vehicles?

There is no universal numerical limit. Many countries require authorised vehicles to travel at walking pace or another very low speed.

May children play in a pedestrian zone?

Playing may be permitted because the area is primarily reserved for pedestrians, but this depends on local law. Children must still be supervised where authorised vehicles, cyclists or public transport are present.

May vehicles enter for deliveries?

Deliveries may be permitted during specified hours or under particular access conditions. Drivers must observe the information displayed at the entrance.

May taxis enter a pedestrian zone?

Taxis may be permitted to enter for passenger collection or drop-off, but access may be restricted to certain destinations, times or permit holders.

May you stop or park in a pedestrian zone?

Parking is normally prohibited or limited to specially authorised places. Brief stopping for authorised loading, unloading or passenger access may be permitted under local rules.

Does an intersection end a pedestrian zone?

Not necessarily. A pedestrian zone may include several connected streets and intersections. Its rules normally continue until the corresponding end sign is passed.

What is the difference between a pedestrian zone and a residential shared-space area?

A pedestrian zone is primarily reserved for pedestrians and usually restricts motor traffic. A residential shared-space area normally permits general local traffic but imposes very low speeds and special pedestrian and parking rules.

When do the pedestrian-zone rules end?

The special rules normally end at an end-of-pedestrian-zone sign. The ordinary rules of the surrounding road or another signed zone then apply.

1 Hungary 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Slope 10 Bus stop 11 Stop sign 12 Give way 13 Roundabout 14 Priority road 15 Road narrowing 16 Priority over oncoming traffic 17 Give way to oncoming traffic 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Overtaking 23 Crossing animals 24 Slippery road 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Roadworks 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Selective barriers 32 Priority at the next junction 33 Traffic lights 34 Traffic lights warning 35 Road markings 36 Countdown markers 37 Traffic mirror 38 Cycling route 39 Parking 40 No parking 41 No stopping 42 Disabled parking 43 Reversing 44 U-turn 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Road surface 47 City limit 48 Licence plate 49 Charging station 50 Dangers 51 Cyclist 52 Moped 53 Car 54 Bus 55 Police 56 Ambulance 57 Taxi 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Two-way traffic 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 No vehicles 78 Bicycle 79 Motorcycle equipment 80 Rail track 81 Caravan 82 Trailer 83 Tow hitch 84 Fire truck 85 Siren 86 Convoy 87 Emergency vehicle lighting 88 Agricultural machinery 89 Electric bicycle 90 Electric vehicle 91 Pedelec 92 Quadricycle 93 Microcar 94 All-terrain vehicle 95 Van 96 Recreational vehicle 97 Scooter 98 Trikke 99 Personal mobility device 100 Skateboard ...