Changes to the Highway Code come in from 29 January, as long as MPs don’t oppose them! One key change is that drivers should stop when pedestrians are waiting at a zebra crossing.
Currently drivers are only required to stop if pedestrians are actually on the crossing. Some drivers apparently have difficulty with the old requirements …
There is more here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/highway-code-rule-change-cyclists-25821965
Aberdeenshire Council has a rolling programme to replace all flashing belisha beacons at zebra crossings with LED beacons which are far more noticeable. The crossings at Newtonhill Road in Newtonhill and one outside Portlethen Academy on Bruntland Road have already been updated.
If street lights or the beacons are faulty, report them to the council: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/report-a-road-fault/