Skip to main content

Contraflow

Contraflow system

What is a contraflow system?

In a contraflow system, the traffic permitted to use a contraflow lane travels in the opposite direction to traffic in the other lanes on the road. They can be permanent, as in the case of contraflow bus lanes, or temporary, as in the case of road works.

When approaching a contraflow system, reduce your speed in plenty of time and obey all speed limits.

When driving in a contraflow system, you’ll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You may be driving in a lane with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.

You need to also be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and that the road ahead could be obstructed by slow-moving or broken-down vehicles.

Contra-flow bus lanes

This sign shows that there is a contra-flow bus lane. The upward arrows indicate the number of traffic lanes available.

Contra-flow bus and cycle lanes

This sign indicates there is a contra-flow bus and pedal cycle lane on the road at the junction ahead.

Contraflow bus and cycle lane sign

Road markings for a contra-flow lane

Here is an example of road marking for a contra-flow bus lane that is also used by cyclists.

Contraflow lane road markings

Temporary contraflow lanes

The white downward-pointing arrow indicates a contra-flow traffic lane separated by traffic cylinders. Where the contra-flow lane is separated by a physical barrier or a buffer lane (a lane closed to traffic), the white arrow is not shown.

Temporary contraflow lane sign

Where a contra-flow system operates, traffic cylinders are used to separate opposing flows of traffic in adjacent lanes.

Traffic cylinder

The signs below show how lanes cross back from the opposite carriageway at the end of a contra-flow system.

View more in the ‘Know Your Traffic Signs’ PDF from the DVSA.

If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 07905657229
Or visit our website on http://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk
You can email 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com
Or visit our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Moving Off Safely and Smoothly

Moving off is safely, smoothly and with confidence is a key element to remember, get right and perfect. Try not to get your clutch control confused with the technique used when changing gear.  It will get easier and stay put in your mind like riding a bike. Get The Car Ready To Go It’s very important that before you complete your all round observations and signal to pull away that you’re car is actually ready to go. If you don't get the car into first gear and remove the handbrake / Parking brake (keeping your right foot on the brake) then the car is not ready to go and will cause delay and the situation will inevitably change and may no longer be safe to pull out. Your preparation process: Put the key in the ignition and turn until you hear the engine start Push down on the clutch and put the car in first gear Raise the clutch to the point that the car growls, then push down a bit - about the thickness of a pound coin Take off your handbrake but use the foot brake if you don’t fe...
Read more

Forward Bay Park

How To Achieve A Perfect Forward Bay Park If you are asked to do a forward bay park as your manoeuvre during your driving test then you would be directed to a public car park (Reverse bays would take place at the test centre car park if it has one). At which point you would be asked to choose a space on the left or the right and park your car safely forwards into a bay. To do this safely and correctly - at 4front Driving School , we advise our students to keep the car positioned to the left if you are choosing a space on the right. And vice versa keep the car positioned to the right if you are choosing a space on the left. Depending on how busy the car park is will probably affect the decision you make regarding choice of space. You may also need to indicate early if the car park is busy so that you don't build up a backlog of drivers getting frustrated with you stopping. However, the more confident and competent you become with this manoeuvre, the quicker, s...
Read more

Traffic Lights

Traffic control lights There is a sequence to remember when it comes to traffic lights, but what do they mean?  (please note that some crossings work differently and an amber flashing light may appear)   RED means ‘Stop’. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway RED AND AMBER also means ‘Stop’. Do not pass through or start until GREEN shows. GREEN means you may go on if the way is clear. Take special care if you intend to turn left or right and give way to pedestrians who are crossing. AMBER means ‘Stop’ at the stop line. You may go on only if the AMBER appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident. What about amber flashing lights? Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push-button controls change the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green; instead, t...
Read more