Tinkerbell

Its not actually the law to stop as a pedestrian approaches a crossing, only if that person is already on the crossing.

Extract from the Highway code

Zebra crossings. Give traffic plenty of time to see you and to stop before you start to cross. Vehicles will need more time when the road is slippery. Wait until traffic has stopped from both directions or the road is clear before crossing. Remember that traffic does not have to stop until someone has moved onto the crossing. Keep looking both ways, and listening, in case a driver or rider has not seen you and attempts to overtake a vehicle that has stopped.

When I was learning to drive I was told to 'Let Them Wait' and only to stop for someone with a pram/pushchair.