Beatles' Abbey Road zebra crossing wins listed status

The north London crossing that featured on the cover of The Beatles' 1969 album is to be given listed status, the first time the accolade has been given to a piece of road furniture. It follows the listing of the Abbey Road studios building earlier this year, and the crossing's growing status as one of the capital's most popular tourist attractions.

John Penrose, the tourism minister, will announce today that the Government is to publish an order granting the crossing Grade II-listed status on the advice of English Heritage. A Grade II listing, the most common protected status, means that a building or monument is recognised as nationally important and of special interest.