# Traffic Signs Manual/Chapter 3/2008/15

GENERAL
15.1 This section describes only bus lanes and gates that use prescribed signs, i.e. facilities for buses, cyclists and taxis. Where other vehicles such as motor cycles or heavy goods vehicles are to be admitted, or where off side with—flow lanes are to be introduced, the signs will require authorisation (see para 2.1) and guidance should be sought from the Department. Working drawings for some non—prescribed signs, including those for bus lanes that may be used by motor cycles, and those for high—occupancy vehicle lanes, are available on request from the Department.
15.2 Bus lanes may be either with—flow or contra—flow. With—flow bus lanes on the left hand side of the carriageway are always available to both buses and pedal cycles; it is not considered safe to force cyclists to use the general traffic lane where they would be confined between two streams of motor traffic. There might, however, be situations where a with—flow lane leads directly to a bus—only facility that is not available to pedal cycles (e.g. a bus—only gate or the entrance to a bus station). In these circumstances, where the bus lane excludes cyclists, traffic signs will need the Department's authorisation. A with—flow bus lane may be used by taxis (hackney carriages) where permitted by the order. A contra—flow bus lane is generally used by buses only, but pedal cycles may also use the lane where permitted by the order.
15.3 Signs and markings for bus lanes prescribed by the Regulations are for near side lanes only. Where centre or off side with—flow lanes are required, advice should be sought from the Department before submitting an application for authorisation. Contra—flow lanes should always be on the near side (see para 15.18).
15.4 Bus—only streets and bus gates are lengths of road or parts of a road where access is restricted to buses, although sometimes other vehicles such as pedal cycles, taxis and trams are also admitted.
WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS
15.5 A bus lane order should always prohibit waiting during the operational period. Signs and markings, provided in accordance with section 6, are required only where an order is made to prohibit waiting during any period when the bus lane is not in force. It is not necessary to include the operational period of the bus lane on the waiting restriction signs, unless the two periods overlap. For example, where a bus lane operates from 7 am to 9 am and the prohibition of waiting is 6 am to 9 am, the waiting restriction signs will indicate a time period of 6 am to 9 am, not 6 am to 7 am. Where waiting is prohibited at all times and the bus lane operates for a shorter period, the road marking will be the double yellow line to diagram 1018.1. Upright ”no waiting” signs are not used in this case (see para 6.6).
15.6 Loading will normally be banned also, although there may occasionally be special reasons why it needs to be allowed, such as off—peak loading in a 24-hour bus lane. Any prohibition of loading, whether during or outside the hours when the lane is in force, should always be indicated with signs and markings in accordance with section 6, but without the need also to indicate a prohibition of waiting unless waiting is prohibited outside the operational period of the lane.
15.7 A bus lane may include bus stop clearways; these should be signed in accordance with section 9.
WITH-FLOW BUS LANES
15.8 Figure [[#fig15.1|15-1}} shows a typical example of the signing requirements for a road that has a with—flow bus lane. Guidance on the use of road markings is given in section 17 of Chapter 5. Figure 15-4 shows the signs that may be provided to indicate the lane to traffic approaching from a side road.
15.9 Advance indication of a with—flow bus lane is provided by the sign to diagram 958. Where the speed limit is 20 mph or 30 mph, the sign should be sited 30 m in advance of the lead—in taper formed by the road marking to diagram 1010, with a minimum clear visibility distance of 45 m. Where the speed limit is 40 mph, the sign should be sited 45 m in advance of the taper with a minimum clear visibility distance of 60 m. For higher speed limits, advice should be sought from the Department (see para 15.14).
15.10 The sign to diagram 959 is a regulatory sign and should be placed at the start of the lane, i.e. where the continuous line to diagram 1049 begins. It should be repeated just beyond each side road, other than one—way roads leading away from the major road on the opposite side to the bus lane. Additional repeater signs should be used where the distance between them would otherwise exceed 300 m.
Figure 15-1 Example of signing a with-flow bus lane
958 With—flow bus lane ahead that may be used by the vehicles indicated on the sign
May be used with diagram 967. The word "taxi" may be omitted. The local bus symbol may be varied to the bus symbol shown in diagram 960
959 With—flow bus lane that may be used by the vehicles indicated on the sign
May be used with diagram 967. The word "taxi" in white letters may be added alongside the cycle symbol. The local bus symbol may be varied to the bus symbol shown in diagram 960
961 Times of operation of a with—flow bus lane or cycle lane
May be used only in combination with diagrams 958, 958.7, 959 and 959.7. Times and days of the week may be varied. The legend may be varied to "At any time"
15.12 Where a bus lane does not operate at all times, the signs to diagrams 958 and 959 should incorporate the sign to diagram 961 indicating the days and times of operation (see figure 15-2). Where there is more than one bus lane along a particular length of road or within the same geographical area, the times of operation should be consistent, where possible, to avoid driver confusion. The width of diagram 961 is the same as diagrams 958 and 959; it cannot be made any narrower or wider, nor can the width of diagrams 958 and 959 be varied to
Figure 15-2 Part-time bus lane (see para 15-12)
Figure 15-3 24-hour bus lane; lower panel normally omitted (see para 15.12)
964 End of bus lane
15.13 The end of a bus lane is indicated by a sign to diagram 964, sited as shown in figure 15-1.
15.14 The signs to diagrams 958,959,961 and 964 are prescribed in two sizes. The smaller size should be used on roads with a speed limit of 20 mph or 30 mph. The larger size is for use on roads with a 40 mph speed limit. Where a bus lane is to be introduced on a road with a higher speed limit (e.g. a commuter route with little frontage development and a speed limit of 50 mph), an even larger size of sign is likely to be required. Also, the BUS LANE marking to diagram 1048 will need to use 2800mm high letters instead of the 1600mm high letters prescribed by the Regulations. Authorisation should be sought from the Department in these circumstances (see para 2.1).
877 Appropriate traffic lanes for manoeuvres at junction ahead
"Except buses" may be varied to "Bus lane" (see working drawing for other variants)
15.15 Where a bus lane is interrupted to enable vehicles to use the left hand lane before turning left at a side road junction, a road marking to diagram 1050, varied to indicate a left turn, should be provided (see para 17.8 in Chapter 5). This may be accompanied by a sign to diagram 877 as shown in figure 15-1. The legend "Except buses" on this sign should be varied to "Bus lane" to make it clear that other vehicles using the bus lane (i.e. cycles and, where permitted, taxis) may continue to use the left hand lane. When used on a primary route, the colour of the sign is varied to a green background with white arrows, legend and border. Four sizes are prescribed; the smallest should be used on roads with a speed limit of 20 mph or 30 mph. The next size is appropriate for roads with a 40 mph speed limit. The two largest sizes are intended for use on roads with a speed limit greater than 40mph, indicating lane allocation at junctions without bus lanes.
962 Bus lane on road at junction ahead
The bus symbol and arrow together may be reversed. The arrow may be omitted and the word "lane" varied to "lanes". The operational period of the bus lane may be added
Figure 15-4 Examples of the use of the sign to diagram 962 to indicate with—flow bus lanes
​warning to drivers as they turn right at the junction. Drivers turning left at the junction do not need to be told that there is a bus lane on the opposite side of the road. Where there is a banned turn from the side road and this prevents traffic from turning into the major one in the direction of travel of the bus lane, a sign to diagram 962 should not be used. Where there are with-flow bus lanes on both sides of the major road and there are no banned turns, the arrow on diagram 962 is omitted and the word "lane" varied to "lanes". Where there are two bus lanes in the major road and the right turn from the side road is prohibited, the sign to diagram 962 should indicate only the bus lane to the left (i.e. the sign should include a left turn arrow and the legend should be "Bus lane" and not "Bus lanes"). Figure 15-4 shows examples of the use of diagram 962.
15.17 Two sizes are prescribed for the sign to diagram 962; in most cases the smaller size will be sufficient. The sign should be mounted below any GIVE WAY or STOP sign or, if the junction is controlled by traffic signals, mounted a sufficient distance in advance of the junction so as not to obstruct the view of the signal head. The days and times of operation are shown on the sign where appropriate (see figure 15-5). For a 24-hour bus lane no times are shown; "At any time" is not a permitted variant. Where the sign has been varied to "Bus lanes" (see para 15.16) and the two lanes operate at different times, no time period should be shown. Drivers will be informed of the period of operation
Figure 15-5 Examples of diagram 962 showing with-flow bus lane operational period
CONTRA-FLOW BUS LANES
15.18 Contra-flow bus lanes should always be provided on the near side; an off side lane would result in traffic travelling on the wrong side of oncoming traffic. Even if the lane were physically segregated, the effect would be disconcerting to drivers and at night dipped headlights might result in dazzle.
960 Contra-flow bus lane
The number of upward-pointing arrows may be varied. The cycle symbol may be added as shown in figure 15-6. The bus symbol may be varied to the local bus symbol shown in diagram 959
Figure 15-6 Contra-flow bus and cycle lane (permitted variant of diagram 960)
15.20 A contra-flow bus lane is effectively a one-way road with a bus lane running in the opposite direction. The signs to diagram 652 (see paras 4.35 to 4.37), indicating to general traffic that the road is one way, are replaced by signs to diagram 960. These ​should be located at the beginning of the road and after every junction, in each case on the near side and on any central refuge (see figure 15-7). Additional signs should be provided where the distance between them would otherwise exceed 300 m. The number of arrows pointing upwards on the left hand side of the sign should be varied to indicate the number of lanes available in that direction. The bus symbol on the right hand side of the sign should be accompanied by the cycle symbol where the contra—flow bus lane is used also by pedal cycles (see figure 15-6).
Figure 15-7 Example of signs indicating contra—flow bus lane to other drivers
Figure 15-8 Start of contra—flow bus-only lane indicated by signs to diagrams 953 and 953.2
Direction 20(7) does not permit diagram 953 to be used without the "Only" plate to diagram 953.2
Figure 15-9 Start of contra—flow bus-only lane indicated by signs to diagrams 616 and 954
This is no longer the recommended method of indicating a contra—flow bus lane. The signs shown in figure 15-8 should normally be used
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
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.
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.
Where buses use the side road and are permitted to turn left into the bus lane, the plate to diagram 954.4 is replaced by a plate to diagram 954.3 with the legend "Except buses and cycles" or "Except local buses and cycles" as appropriate
Where buses use the side road and are permitted to turn right into the bus lane, the sign to diagram 612 is used in Diagram 6l2 combination with a plate to either diagram 954 (Except buses) or 954.2 (Except local buses) as appropriate
Figure 15-11 Examples of the use of the signs to diagrams 962 and 962.2 to indicate contra—flow bus lanes
962.2 Contra—flow bus and cycle lane on road at junction ahead
The bus symbol, cycle symbol and arrow together may be reversed
15.25 Two sizes are prescribed for the signs to diagram 962 and 962.2; in most cases the smaller size will be sufficient. The sign should be mounted below any GIVE WAY or STOP sign or, if the junction is controlled by traffic signals, mounted a sufficient distance in advance of the junction so as not to obstruct the view of the signal head.
SIGNS FOR PEDESTRIANS
963 Bus lane with traffic proceeding from right (Sign for pedestrians)
"RIGHT" may be varied to "LEFT" and the bus symbol reversed as shown in figure 15-12. "LANE" may be varied to "LANES" and "RIGHT" varied to "BOTH WAYS"
963.2 Contra—flow bus and cycle lane with traffic proceeding from right (Sign for pedestrians)
"RIGHT" may be varied to "LEFT" and the bus and cycle symbols reversed (bus symbol as shown in figure 15-12). "LANE" may be varied to "LANES" and "RIGHT" varied to "BOTH WAYS"
15.26 The signs shown in diagrams 963 and 963.2 warn pedestrians of the presence of a bus lane. The signs should not be used as a substitute for diagrams 962 and 962.2 to warn drivers approaching the bus lane from a side road (see paras 15.16 and 15.24). The signs would normally be used for contra—flow bus lanes at locations where pedestrians might not realise that traffic travels in both directions, especially where a lane is introduced into a street where traffic was previously one way only. The sign to diagram 963 should be used to warn of a contra—flow lane used by buses only, and diagram 963.2 for a contra—flow lane used by both buses and cycles. Should it be necessary to warn of a with—flow lane, the sign to diagram 963, and not 963.2, should be used, even though cycles will be using the lane. The sign to diagram 963.2 is prescribed for use with contra—flow lanes only. It should be noted that pedestrian signs indicating the operational period of a with—flow bus lane or that taxis use the lane are not prescribed.
15.27 The signs should be sited where the majority of pedestrians cross the carriageway, and always adjacent to the bus lane. A sign should not be sited where it might encourage pedestrians to look the wrong way when stepping into the road, e.g. where pedestrians first cross a general traffic lane flowing in the opposite direction to the bus lane. Where pedestrians cross a road that has a contra—flow bus lane, a central refuge adjacent to the lane should be provided. The sign to diagram 963 or 963.2, varied to LOOK LEFT with the symbols facing right, should be ​located opposite the refuge as shown in figure 15-12. The signs may be varied to LANES and LOOK BOTH WAYS, but these versions are unlikely to be required.
Figure 15-12 Example of the use of pedestrian signs to diagram 963 to indicate a contra—flow bus lane
15.28 Two sizes are prescribed for the signs to diagrams 963 and 963.2. The larger size, with a 50 mm x—height, should normally be used. The smaller sign, with a 40 mm x—height, may be more suitable where there are space constraints, such as on a pedestrian refuge.
BUS-ONLY STREETS AND BUS GATES
15.29 Where either a one—way or two—way road is reserved for buses and cycles, the entry points should be indicated by signs to diagram 953. The other end of a one—way road must have "no entry" signs to diagram 616 in accordance with paras 4.39 to 4.41. Where the order permits taxis to use the road or excludes cycles, the sign to diagram 953 shall be varied accordingly. As with contra—flow bus lanes, this sign must be used in combination with the "Only" plate to diagram 953.2. Where the road is for the exclusive use of buses, the sign to diagram 953 is varied to show only the bus symbol. The "no entry" sign to diagram 616, with an "Except buses" plate, is not appropriate in this case as this combination should be used only for contra—flow bus lanes within a one—way street (see para 15.21). Where access to premises is required for other vehicles or where the bus—only restriction does not apply at all times, a sign to diagram 619 (no motor vehicles) with an exception plate to diagram 620 should be used (see paras 5.9 to 5.12). The plate should have the legend "Except buses and for access" and, if appropriate, include a time period. "buses" may be varied to "local buses".
Figure 15-13 One—way bus gate on a two—way road
15.30 A bus gate is a short length of bus-only street (see para 15.4). On a two—way road, access may be restricted to buses in one direction only, with all traffic permitted in the opposite direction, i.e. similar to a contra-flow lane, but too short to be signed as such. In this case, that part of the carriageway reserved for buses should be separated from the opposing flow of traffic by a traffic island and not by a continuous line marking to diagram 1049 (see figure 15-13). Bus gates are often used to remove through traffic from a road but allow full access. They effectively create a "no through road" for all traffic other than buses. The bus gate may be located either at a junction or part way along a road, and may be used by pedal cycles and taxis where permitted by the order. An example is shown in figure 15-14.
Figure 15-14 Example of a two—way bus gate
15.31 A bus gate is signed in a similar manner to a bus-only street, using signs to diagrams 953 and 953.2. Where the bus gate is a short length of one-way road which leads to a two—way road used by all traffic, the opposite end of the gate must have "no entry" signs to diagram 616.
15.32 The appropriate road markings for bus-only streets and bus gates are diagrams 1048.3 BUS ONLY and 1048.4 BUS AND (cycle symbol) ONLY. The latter may be varied to BUS AND TAXI ONLY or BUS TAXI (cycle symbol) ONLY. "AND" may be varied to "&" when the legend is on three lines. No markings are prescribed for use with the supplementary plates to diagrams 618.1 and 620. This would not be practicable; the descriptions of possible exceptions can be lengthy (see paras 5.5 to 5.12), and moreover these might apply only at certain times.
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This version was transcribed in May 2015, from a 2008 impression.
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