'Abbey Road' Crossing Named Site of National Importance

The London crosswalk made famous on The Beatles' Abbey Road album cover has been named a site of national importance in England.

The designation means that the white-striped crossing can only be altered with the approval of local authorities, notes Reuters.

England's Minister for Tourism and Heritage said in a statement, "This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-minute photo shoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage."

The crosswalk is outside of Abbey Road Studios, which received its own protected status earlier this year.