No zebra crossing does not mean you cannot cross the road. sometimes cars must allow people to cross the road safely by slowing down or stopping.
In new york/US, pedestrian will shout at you if you purposely ignore them crossing roads in town areas. That is why their speed limit in towns and residential areas are very slow.
Nowadays, If I see ladies with prams waiting to cross, i look in the rear view mirror to see if it is safe to stop, stop the car and allow the lady to cross the narrow road. You will always get a smile or a thumbs up back.