22.12 The advisory marking to diagram 1026 (see figure 22-3) is used mainly in urban areas where a queue of vehicles waiting at one junction blocks back across another, thereby obstructing the flow of cross traffic. It may also be used at a private entrance used by the general public, but only in places where it can genuinely be helpful in maintaining smooth traffic flow. It is not intended to keep areas of carriageway outside premises clear of parked vehicles.
22.13 The marking is prescribed in two sizes, the larger for use at particularly wide junctions or on multi-lane approaches. It is always coloured white.
22.14 The Regulations prescribe transverse lines to indicate the extent of the area to be kept clear of queuing vehicles where this is not obvious. They may be omitted if considered unnecessary, or if proximity to other markings or to traffic signals might cause confusion. Lines longer than prescribed must not be used; this can give the impression to side road traffic that vehicles on the main road are required to stop.
22.15 The marking to diagram 1026.1 (see figure 22-4) may be laid on part of the carriageway which should be kept clear of parked vehicles either outside an entrance to off-street premises, or where the kerb is dropped to provide a convenient crossing place for pedestrians.
22.16 It should normally be laid 75 mm wide for speed limits up to 40 mph and 100 mm when the limit is higher. The 50 mm size may be used in environmentally sensitive areas.
22.17 The marking is not legally enforceable. However, if used sparingly it may be helpful in discouraging inconsiderate parking, particularly where a problem is isolated and a traffic regulation order could not be justified or easily enforced. It may be used to mark the gaps across driveways between the ends of separate bays, except in controlled parking zones where every length of road outside theparking places must be marked with a yellow line (see para 20.29). This should reduce the risk of obstruction by non-residents, whilst avoiding the upright signs needed at each gap if a single yellow line were used instead (although signs would not be needed if double yellow lines were used). Yellow lines would however prevent residents from parking across their own driveways. The marking may also be used across a private entrance where there is a single yellow line, to keep the entrance clear at times when the restrictions are not in force; it should be laid on the carriageway side of the yellow line.
22.18 Where two or more closely spaced driveways are to be protected, it will be necessary to consider the distance between the markings to ensure it will accommodate at least one vehicle. An excessively long marking, or over-provision of markings will bring them into disrepute and compromise their effectiveness. The marking should not extend more than 1 m either side of the dropped kerb.
22.19 The KEEP CLEAR marking to diagram 1027.1 (see figure 22-5) is prescribed for use outside schools. This includes nurseries and playgroups, but where these occupy buildings other than schools, e.g. church or village halls, the word "SCHOOL" may be varied to "CHILDREN". "SCHOOL" must be omitted when the marking is used at fire, police or ambulance stations, or outside hospitals; these words must not however be used as part of the marking.
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