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When it comes to protecting their cultural heritage few do it better than the British. The zebra crossing on the Abbey Road album with the Beatles walking single file across it has just been declared heritage listed.

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TONY EASTLEY: When it comes to protecting their cultural heritage few do it better than the British.

Heritage listings ensure everything from the iconic landmarks, grand gardens and historic houses are all cared for.

But the latest listing is rather different.

Europe correspondent Philip Williams prepared this report.

(Music: Come Together, The Beatles)

PHILIP WILLIAMS: If you’re my generation or perhaps a bit older the Beatles were better known and probably better loved than most presidents or prime ministers. The young ones too are discovering what their parents and grandparents already knew.

It’s not surprising thousands of fans descend on the Abbey Road Studios in central London where many of the band’s hits were recorded.

But just outside is an innocuous looking zebra crossing. It’s the one on the Abbey Road album with the Beatles walking single file across it. It’s now been declared heritage listed.

Emily Gee is from English Heritage.

EMILY GEE: We do list items of street furniture, sometimes historic street surfaces. And this is a particularly celebrated example.

Now I believe there’s some conjecture as to whether the crossing as marked here is exactly where it was when that famous photo was taken.

EMILY GEE: That’s right. Well we know that there was a zebra crossing very nearby, even if it has been moved a few feet as part of some road maintenance.

But this is definitely the place right next to the studio which is also a listed building where the photograph was taken. And we understand it was Paul McCartney’s idea to use this actual zebra crossing.

PHILIP WILLIAMS: Night and day fans recreate the famous album cover with their friends.

Italian tourists are hesitant. Stepping out on a crossing like this back home could be suicide. But it’s no problems for Lyn Kindt from Brisbane.

LYN KINDT: I’ve lived in London previously, didn’t ever get to visit. Holidaying today and yes, that’s why I’m here. It’s just the most magnificent band.

PHILIP WILLIAMS: Who was your favourite?

LYN KINDT: Oh Paul of course. There was never any doubt. (Laughs)

PHILIP WILLIAMS: Did you have a bit of a thing for him?

LYN KINDT: Well I remember they came to Brisbane when I was in grade nine so back in 63 or so and just the town went nuts. Festival Hall…

PHILIP WILLIAMS: And you with it?

LYN KINDT: Sort of. Just a tad. (Laughs)

PHILIP WILLIAMS: It’s not just the ones that were there at the time. New generations from around the world are delighting in the music and this famous crossing.

You’ve just walked the walk but you weren’t even born when the Beatles were in their heyday. You weren’t even thought about.

YOUNG TOURIST: I just like their music, they make really good music. Their music still sticks with the times.

(Music: Mean Mr Mustard, The Beatles)

PHILIP WILLIAMS: It may not be Buckingham palace, Westminster or Trafalgar Square but don’t try and tell any one of the dozens waiting their turn to cross a road once graced by you know who 31 years ago that all of this doesn’t deserve protection.

TOURIST: When you feel depressed, unhappy, you listen to the song and you feel happy. Picks you right up.

PHILIP WILLIAMS: This is Philip Williams at Abbey Road reporting for AM.