Dashcam shows driver overtaking queue across zebra crossing on Greenford Road, Harrow

Dashcam footage filmed on Greenford Road in Harrow shows a driver pulling out of a queue of traffic and overtaking it on the opposite side of the road, then driving straight over a zebra crossing.

In the footage shared with UB1UB2, a grey car leaves the line of slow-moving vehicles and moves onto the wrong side of the road. It speeds up through a yellow box junction, crosses the white zig-zag lines leading up to a zebra crossing, and drives over the crossing before cutting back into the traffic.

The stretch of road is reportedly in a 20mph zone. It is lined with homes, and cyclists and pedestrians use it regularly. The footage was filmed in the early evening, and the exact date has not been confirmed.

The Metropolitan Police has not said whether the incident has been reported or whether it is investigating.

What the rules say

The zig-zag lines on either side of a zebra crossing mark the area where drivers must take extra care, because people may be about to step out. Rule 191 of the Highway Code says: "You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians."

The same rule also bans parking on a crossing or anywhere in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. Breaking the overtaking rule can mean a fine and three penalty points on a driving licence. More serious driving can lead to prosecution for careless or dangerous driving.

Drivers must also not enter a yellow box junction unless their exit is clear. The Highway Code lets drivers wait in the box only when they are turning right and are held up by oncoming traffic.

Reporting dangerous driving

Greenford Road runs south from Harrow through Sudbury Hill towards Greenford, and it is busy with local traffic, especially at peak times. Residents along the route have raised concerns about speeding and risky overtaking before.

Members of the public in London can send dashcam, helmet camera and mobile phone footage of suspected driving offences to the Metropolitan Police through its online road traffic incident reporting tool. The Met has offered this since October 2016. Officers review the footage and can take action against drivers, from warning letters to prosecution.

The Met generally asks people to report incidents soon after they happen and to submit the original, unedited footage. People should include the date, time and exact location, and the registration of the vehicle where they can see it.

Anyone who saw the incident on Greenford Road or has information can contact the police on 101, or report it online through the Metropolitan Police website. In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.