A leading walking and cycling charity has called for legislation change to allow for European-style zebra crossings on side streets and roads. The call follows a trial held in Greater Manchester which found zebra markings led to drivers giving way for pedestrians 65 per cent more than where there were no markings in place. All zebra crossings in the UK, by law, must include belisha beacons and zig-zag approach markings. Side road zebra crossings, which are commonly used for safety across Europe, do not include beacons or zig-zag markings. Greater Manchester has long banged the drum for a change in the law. Now Sustrans, guardians of the National Cycle Network, has backed the call, with a new report arguing their installation would make streets safer. The charity, in its report, said people with disabilities were in danger of being further excluded in society if future changes to transport do not involve them and address their needs. Sustrans said its report, which also hailed the impact of the new Stockport bus station, found almost half of disabled people surveyed thought the government was not doing enough to ensure accessibility was a priority. The legalisation of side road zebra crossings was listed as one of five major changes needed in the report. All zebra crossings must currently include belisha beacons, yellow flashing lights at either end of a crossing and zig-zag approach markings. Side road zebras do not include beacons or zig-zag markings, meaning they are quicker and cheaper to install at smaller side roads. The Manchester report was commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and conducted by industry experts Transport Research Laboratory. The two-year study consisted of extensive consultation and off-road trials. Two on-street trials were also held in Tameside . Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here The results showed that vehicles giving way to people on foot went up from four in 10 to seven in 10 - an increase of 65 per cent - when zebra markings were in place. The report also concluded there was a universal understanding amongst all road users of what zebra markings mean when used on side roads. Side road zebras, said transport leaders, would primarily be used in low traffic, predominantly residential areas. Sustrans said Greater Manchester asked for regulations to be amended to allow 'mass trials', but so far 'this has not happened'. "If authorised by government, Greater Manchester could create hundreds of side road zebra crossings within 12 months, primarily in the areas where Greater Manchester’s active travel Bee Network is being delivered," said the report. "Side road zebras would primarily be used in low traffic areas. Side roads with higher traffic levels should have signalised crossings. "Many other European countries have adopted side road zebras that work well. Reducing the need for beacons and zig-zag markings makes them cheap and quick to roll out at side road junctions. "The UK and devolved governments should amend legislation to introduce, test and roll out side road zebras across the UK, starting with high footfall areas – side roads alongside busier urban roads and on the journey to school. "Side road zebras are a simple solution to give people walking and wheeling the priority and space they need to cross. This is especially the case for disabled people who may take longer or find it harder to cross a road." Join our Traffic and Travel WhatsApp group HERE Tim Burns, Head of Research at Sustrans, said: "The next ten years will see exciting changes in how we move around our cities, as local authorities respond to the UK’s economic, health and environmental challenges with visionary transport plans. "To be truly transformative, these plans need strong local leadership and must put disabled people at their heart. We know disabled people face greater barriers to getting around and accessing the things they need to live well – while also wanting to travel more sustainably. "Our report highlights tried and tested ideas, increasingly being adopted across the UK. Disabled people want transport to change. When disabled people are represented, the outcomes are better for everyone." The Manchester Evening News has asked the Department for Transport for comment.