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953 Route for use by buses and pedal cycles only
May be used only in combination with diagram 953.2. The bus symbol may be varied to the local bus symbol shown in diagram 959. The cycle symbol may be omitted. When used to indicate a bus gate (see paras 75.29 to 75.32), the word "taxi" in white letters may be added below the bus symbol
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953.2 Plate for use with diagrams 953 and 953.1
May be used only in combination with diagram 953 or 953.7
include a "no entry" sign, but a full—size sign must also be provided. Historically, a contra—flow bus—only lane has been signed with a "no entry" sign to diagram 616 and a supplementary plate to either diagram 954 (Except buses) or 954.2 (Except local buses) as shown in figure 15-9. However, in future the sign to diagram 953 with the ”Only” plate to diagram 953.2 should be used, as shown in figure 15-8. This is the only arrangement that is prescribed for bus and cycle contra—flow lanes, with diagram 953 varied to include the cycle symbol (see figure 15-10). Direction 21(2) prohibits the use of the "Except buses and cycles" plate with the "no entry" sign. Not only is using diagram 953 to indicate a bus—only lane consistent with the signing of a bus and cycle lane, it also helps to prevent the meaning of the "no entry" sign from being diluted. The main purpose of diagram 616 is to protect the exit from a one—way road, where drivers travelling in the opposite direction would put themselves and others at risk (see also para 4.42). "End of bus lane" signs to diagram 964 are not used with contra—flow lanes, nor are time plates, as these lanes operate continuously.
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Figure 15-10 Start of a contra—flow bus and cycle lane
15.22 Two sizes are prescribed for the sign to diagram 960. The smaller size will usually be adequate. The larger size might be more appropriate where there are more than two lanes for general traffic or where there is a particular conspicuity problem. The "no entry" sign to diagram 616 should be 750 mm in diameter with the supplementary plate having an x—height of 62.5 mm. Where the sign to diagram 953 is used, this should normally be 750 mm in diameter with the supplementary plate having an x—height of 75 mm.
15.23 Where central islands are provided along the lane, these should have "keep left" signs to diagram 610 in both directions, as they would on any two—way road.
15.24 The sign to diagram 962 should be provided on side roads to warn emerging drivers of the presence of a contra—flow bus lane on the major road. If cycles are also permitted to use the lane, the sign to diagram 962.2 should be used instead. For a bus lane on the same side of the major road as the side road, the arrow will point to the left. The sign should be accompanied by the "no left turn" sign to diagram 613. Where buses and, if appropriate, cycles are permitted to turn left into the bus lane, the "no left turn" sign should have a supplementary plate "Except buses" (diagram 954 or 954.5), "Except local buses" (diagram 954.2 or 954.6), "Except buses and
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