Police tickets

And the law expects you to. Pedestrians have right of way on roads...

Not when there is oncoming traffic. Otherwise you would have pedestrians crossing into the road all the time and making claims.

They can only cross when it is safe to do so. Below is a statement as found in the Highway Code.

7 D. If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again and listen. Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of time. Remember, even if traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very quickly.

The rule where they do have (some) priority is:

1. At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170).
   
   

You MUST NOT loiter on any type of crossing.
[Laws ZPPPCRGD reg 19 & RTRA sect 25(5)]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070108

I see suits crossing all the time, I just knock them over and throw photocopied parts of the Highcode at them... Not really.