Traffic Signs Manual/Chapter 5/2009/13
LANE ARROWS
Direction arrows to diagram 1038 (see figure 13-1) should be used on the approach to busy multi-lane junctions to give drivers advance indication of the correct lane. The use of lane arrows at roundabouts is dealt with in paras 8.30 to 8.33, and at signal controlled junctions in para 9.9. Normally two arrows should be used in sequence in each lane, although sometimes three may be needed. Table 13-1 gives recommended arrow sizes and siting. Arrows or destination markings (see paras 13.4 to 13.6) should normally be located at least as far back from the junction as the longest peak hour traffic queue, but not in advance of a previous main junction as this might result in confusion. It can be helpful to locate arrows in conjunction with the advance direction signs.
The direction of each arrow head may be varied to suit the circumstances, but not more than two directions may be shown on any one arrow. The principal dimensions are indicated in figure 13-1; full details can be found on the working drawings (see para 1.17).
On two-lane approaches to junctions, the arrangement of arrows indicating the lanes for straight ahead, left turn and right turn will depend upon the relative traffic volumes making the movements, and on the site conditions. Where there is a heavy right turn movement, the straight ahead and left turn arrows should be combined in the near side lane. Similarly where there is a left filter arrow at a traffic signal installation, the filter lane should always be marked with the left arrow marking only, in order to exclude non-filtering traffic. Similar principles should be adopted where there are more than two lanes on an approach.
| Speed limit (mph) |
Arrow length (m) |
Distance of first arrow from Stop / Give Way (m) |
Distance of second arrow from first (m) |
Distance of third arrow from second (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 or less | 4 | 15 to 25 | 30 to 50 | 30 to 50 |
| 50 or 60 | 5 | |||
| 70 | 9 | Up to 1.5 times the above distances | ||
NOTE: The greater distances shown for the arrows should be used on roads subject to higher traffic speeds.
LANE DESTINATIONS
13.4 Worded lane destinations (diagram 1035, see figure 13.2) reinforcing the information shown on the advance direction signs may be marked on the carriageway on the approach to junctions. These will normally be used with lane destination arrows, although the latter may be omitted. In confirming which lane to use, the markings provide drivers with an alternative indication to the advance direction sign in the event of it being obscured by high vehicles. Although abbreviations may be used, these must be understandable not only to local drivers, but also to those unfamiliar with the area. Abbreviations on the signs must be recognisable as the same destinations as those on the road, where fewer letters might need to be used.
13.5 Two sizes are prescribed for the legend, 1600 mm and 2800 mm. The smaller size is intended to be used when the speed limit is 40 mph or less, and the larger when it is more than 40 mph.
MANDATORY TURNS
13.6 Lane arrows supplemented with the legend TURN LEFT (see figure 13-3), TURN RIGHT and AHEAD ONLY are prescribed as diagrams 1036.1, 1036.2 and 1037.1 respectively. These versions may be used only where they indicate the effect of a statutory prohibition (direction 7). The markings are used to reinforce a green arrow traffic signal or a regulatory turn sign, e.g. entry into a one-way road where all traffic is required to turn in the same direction. The legend may be laid in a single line across two lanes or in two rows, as shown in figure 13-3.
GUIDANCE ARROWS
13.7 Lane markings may be laid in the junction where some guidance to traffic is considered to be helpful, although care should be taken that the meaning is clear to drivers on all approaches. Arrows to diagram 1038.1 (figure 13-4) may be used to indicate a route through a junction, or used in pairs to indicate that opposing right-turning traffic should pass near side to near side (see para 13.8). When used in pairs, a gap of at least one metre should be left between each arrow. Two lengths are prescribed for the arrow, 3025 mm or 4450 mm; normally the larger size will be appropriate, but at very restricted sites it may be necessary to use the smaller arrow. These arrows are identical to those that form part of the mini-roundabout marking to diagram 1003.4 (see figure 8-2) and shown on working drawing P1003.4 (see para 1.17).
13.8 Figure 13-5 shows the use of a pair of arrows to diagram 1038.1 at a signal controlled junction. Where a signal phase permits opposing right turns but no ahead movements from the right turn lanes, and there are no opposing dedicated lanes, use of the arrows to indicate that vehicles should pass near side to near side will help prevent conflict. If the number of right-turning vehicles is high, it would be of benefit to provide a dedicated right turn lane even if a separate signal stage is not provided.
DEFLECTION ARROWS
13.9 Deflection arrows to diagram 1014 (see figure 13-6) are used in advance of:
(i) double white line markings to diagrams 1013.1 and 1013.3, to warn of the approaching restriction and to direct traffic to the correct side (see paras 5.13 to 5.16),
(ii) markings to diagrams 1040, 1040.3 and 1040.4, to warn of a hazard or change of direction and to indicate the side on which traffic should pass (see paras 4.50 and 4.53),
(iii) cycle or bus lane boundary markings to diagram 1049, to indicate the side on which other vehicles should pass them (see paras 16.6 and 17.7 respectively), and
(iv) arch bridges, in conjunction with the edge of carriageway marking to diagram 1010 and the marking to diagram 1024.1 (HIGH VEHS), to indicate the most suitable path for high vehicles (see paras 22.5 to 22.10).
The arrow may be reversed so that it points to the right in appropriate circumstances.
BIFURCATION ARROWS
13.10 These markings to diagram 1039 (see figure 13-7) should be provided at the commencement of deceleration lanes on the approach to junctions.
13.11 Bifurcation arrows serve to guide vehicles into the deceleration lane at its commencement, ensuring that the full length of the lane is used to slow down for the junction without impeding through vehicles on the main carriageway.
13.12 Three sizes are prescribed. The longest (32 m) is for use on motorways or high speed all-purpose dual carriageway roads, the medium (16 m) for use on other roads with a speed limit greater than 40 mph, and the shortest (8 m) elsewhere. It should be noted that the lateral distance between the tips of the arrow heads is 2100 mm for all three sizes of marking. For detailed dimensions, reference should be made to the working drawings (see para 1.17). The ahead arrow should be laid in the centre of the ahead lane; the turning arrow will then just encroach into the deceleration lane.
13.13 The arrow marking may be reversed to suit right turn movements into deceleration lanes in the central reservation of dual carriageways and dedicated right turn lanes on other roads. The arrow to diagram 1038 indicating a right turn (or ahead and right) must not be used in a through lane if it is not the lane from which traffic turns right.
13.14 Figure 13-8 indicates the location of the 32 m long arrow in relation to other markings. This may be used as a guide for other sizes of arrows; the aim should be to site the arrow shortly after the commencement of the deceleration lane, at a point where it has developed adequate width.
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This version was transcribed in May 2015, from a 2009 impression.
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