Do pedestrians have right of way within an erf?

The correct answer to this is 'No'. Rules about priority and giving way are no different within an erf, than they are outside of it. A pedestrian therefore does not suddenly have priority within an erf. But where does this confusion come from?

This often has to do with two things: the rules regarding exit constructions and the fact that pedestrians may use the road across its full width.

Rules at exit constructions

At an erf, the entrance and exit are often designed as an exit construction. This means that you have to drive over a continuous pavement to enter or leave the erf. The rule at an exit construction is that when entering or leaving, you must give way to all other traffic. So if a pedestrian is walking across that exit construction, they may go first, regardless of the direction you are coming from in your car.

However, this rule has nothing to do with the erf itself. It is purely the rule of the exit construction. Once you have passed it, the normal rules regarding priority and giving way apply, also within the erf.

Special position of pedestrians

Pedestrians do have a special status within an erf, but this has nothing to do with priority or giving way. In an erf there are no pavements for pedestrians to walk on. That is why the rule states that pedestrians may use the road across its full width. They may walk in the middle of the road and even play there. As a driver, you must of course take this into account. But that is different from having priority. If a pedestrian comes from the right, they must still wait.

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