Ms Muireann O'Dea:

A zebra crossing is a great way to slow down traffic. As there is no requirement to press a button and wait for the green light, it promotes better awareness among motorists because that they have to look out for a pedestrian at the crossing. I have seen wide roads and streets in towns in Spain where there is a zebra crossing every 200 m and so the traffic goes very slowly and stops if there is somebody at the crossing.