HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes) are similar
to buslanes, but they can also be used by vehicles (other than lorries)with
at least one passenger in addition to the driver, as indicatedby the
"2+" car symbol. Where the requirement is for at least twopassengers
in the vehicle, a "3+" car symbol is shown on thesigns. Solo motorcycles
are normally allowed to use HOV lanes,but large lorries are likely
to be prohibited. Signs indicate whichvehicles are permitted in the
lane. The aims of a HOV lane are toreduce traffic congestion by maximising
the use of a bus lane andencourage car sharing.
This
sign gives advance warning of a HOV lane ahead
A
separate sign gives the times of operation of a HOV lane ahead
Another
sign indicates which vehicles may use the HOV lane ahead
Start
of HOV lane (near-side)
HOV
lane (near-side)
HOV
laneroad marking
End
of HOV lane
HOV lanes (also known as car-sharing lanes) are to
be introducedon some motorways. These could be on the right-hand side
ofthe carriageway, where their use by buses might be prohibited.The
HOV lane signs are likely to be mounted above thecarriageway to indicate
which types of vehicle may use, or areprohibited from using, particular
traffic lanes.
Bus lanes
Signs and road markings for bus lanes are shown on pages 32and 33. However,
in recent years different types of bus lane havebeen introduced. These
may be centre or right-hand lanes on theapproaches to junctions, or
may be lanes that can be used byother vehicles, such as solo motorcycles.
Some examples areshown below. These signs may include a lower panel
showing thetimes of operation.
Road charging
Road
charging was first introduced in central London and within asmall
area in Durham. The white on red "C" symbol is used onsigns in both
schemes and will, in future, be used to indicateroad-charging schemes
that might be introduced elsewhere. Thesymbol is not currently used
for toll roads and tolled crossings,such as the M 6 Toll motorway
and the Dartford Crossing.
This
example shows a typical zone entry sign.The charging period is shown
in the lowerpanel. The name of the traffic authority maybe shown
at the top of the sign. The sign isusually supplemented by a "C"
symbol roadmarking. Direction signs may incorporate the"C" symbol
to indicate routes that lead intothe charging zone. Details of the
actualcharges and the method of payment areavailable from the appropriate
traffic authority
Driver location signs
These
have been introduced at regular intervalsalong many motorways and
some other roads sothat, in the event of a vehicle breakdown or
otheremergency, the exact location can be identifiedquickly. They
show the motorway or road number,the carriageway identifier and
a distance reference.
Variable signs
Some
signs are designed toprovide information aboutvarying traffic conditions,
suchas delays or diversions ahead,or to warn of specific hazards,such
as animals or debris inthe road. These are called"variable message
signs" andmay be free-standing with an electronic display, such
as the signsthat have been erected above motorway hard shoulders.
Somedirection signs contain variable elements. They might show,
forexample, alternative routes, or the availability of spaces in
carparks.
Signs activated
by moving vehicles are provided as a road safetymeasure. They can give
a reminder of the speed limit, or warningof a hazard such as a bend
or crossroads. They are activatedwhen a vehicle is travelling above
a certain speed and the driverneeds to slow down.
