Solid White Lines
Discussion
Following on from the Castle Combe thread, here's "the Law" on Police (or others, for that matter) crossing white lines:
Regulation 26 of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 provides the requirements and exceptions for vehicles stopping, crossing or straddling any length of road along which double white line markings have been placed. It also includes the warning that such markings convey.
Exceptions to sections 26(2)(b) - crossing/straddling the markings
Nothing in paragraph 26(2)(b) above shall be taken to prohibit a vehicle from being driven across, or so as to straddle, the continuous line referred to in that paragraph, if
- it is safe to do so; and
- it is necessary to do so
and it is
(a) to enable the vehicle to enter, from the side of the road on which it is proceeding, land or premises adjacent to the length of road on which the line is placed, or another road joining that road;
(b) in order to pass a stationary vehicle;
(c) owing to circumstances outside the control of the driver;
(d) in order to avoid an accident;
(e) in order to pass a road maintenance vehicle which is in use, is moving at a speed not exceeding 10 mph, and is displaying to the rear the sign regulatory arrow sign (white arrow on blue) - traffic to proceed either left or right as indicated by sign or the sign for vehicles to stay right of vehicle involved with mobile roadworks (white arrow on blue, but mounted on yellow board with flashing amber lights);
(f) in order to pass a pedal cycle moving at a speed not exceeding 10 mph;
(g) in order to pass a horse that is being ridden or led at a speed not exceeding 10 mph; or
(h) for the purposes of complying with any direction of a constable in uniform or a traffic warden.
So it would seem that I can legally cross a solid white line by directing myself to do so, as long as I am in uniform.
>>> Edited by Dibble on Thursday 14th October 23:31
Regulation 26 of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 provides the requirements and exceptions for vehicles stopping, crossing or straddling any length of road along which double white line markings have been placed. It also includes the warning that such markings convey.
Exceptions to sections 26(2)(b) - crossing/straddling the markings
Nothing in paragraph 26(2)(b) above shall be taken to prohibit a vehicle from being driven across, or so as to straddle, the continuous line referred to in that paragraph, if
- it is safe to do so; and
- it is necessary to do so
and it is
(a) to enable the vehicle to enter, from the side of the road on which it is proceeding, land or premises adjacent to the length of road on which the line is placed, or another road joining that road;
(b) in order to pass a stationary vehicle;
(c) owing to circumstances outside the control of the driver;
(d) in order to avoid an accident;
(e) in order to pass a road maintenance vehicle which is in use, is moving at a speed not exceeding 10 mph, and is displaying to the rear the sign regulatory arrow sign (white arrow on blue) - traffic to proceed either left or right as indicated by sign or the sign for vehicles to stay right of vehicle involved with mobile roadworks (white arrow on blue, but mounted on yellow board with flashing amber lights);
(f) in order to pass a pedal cycle moving at a speed not exceeding 10 mph;
(g) in order to pass a horse that is being ridden or led at a speed not exceeding 10 mph; or
(h) for the purposes of complying with any direction of a constable in uniform or a traffic warden.
So it would seem that I can legally cross a solid white line by directing myself to do so, as long as I am in uniform.
>>> Edited by Dibble on Thursday 14th October 23:31
. 
Personally, I think that is stretching the usage a little, but anyway I'm not going to hijack this thread. I'll put further comments over in the other one.
Edited: To add that it might be better to continue here so I will do so.
Initial thoughts:
We got to this discussion because of a BiB crossing a DWL at 47mph while following 2 bikers (who were also crossing a DWL) - IMHO clause H is more geared towards those situations where a constable or traffic warden is dealing with the aftermath of a hazard e.g. a RTA and has to direct traffic over a DWL.
Presumably in a Bib/MoP situation, someone gives the orders and someone complies with the orders (or not!) - I must admit to having some difficulty understanding how a BiB can 'direct' themselves to do something.
I'll go away and do more checking. BTW, my edition of Hughes Guide to Traffic Law (which states in black and white that BiB's CANNOT cross a DWL (except under the 'normal' exemptions listed in the HC) is dated March 2004 (Version 3.50) - So one of them is wrong.
Oooohh - I love a good debate.
>> Edited by ca092003 on Friday 15th October 10:06
Edited: To add that it might be better to continue here so I will do so.
Initial thoughts:
We got to this discussion because of a BiB crossing a DWL at 47mph while following 2 bikers (who were also crossing a DWL) - IMHO clause H is more geared towards those situations where a constable or traffic warden is dealing with the aftermath of a hazard e.g. a RTA and has to direct traffic over a DWL.
Presumably in a Bib/MoP situation, someone gives the orders and someone complies with the orders (or not!) - I must admit to having some difficulty understanding how a BiB can 'direct' themselves to do something.
I'll go away and do more checking. BTW, my edition of Hughes Guide to Traffic Law (which states in black and white that BiB's CANNOT cross a DWL (except under the 'normal' exemptions listed in the HC) is dated March 2004 (Version 3.50) - So one of them is wrong.
Oooohh - I love a good debate.
>> Edited by ca092003 on Friday 15th October 10:06
mutter Dibble said:
(h) for the purposes of complying with any direction of a constable in uniform or a traffic warden.
So it would seem that I can legally cross a solid white line by directing myself to do so, as long as I am in uniform.
>>> Edited by Dibble on Thursday 14th October 23:31
Does the traffic warden not need a uniform - Liebchen
Indeed bizarre logic and vagueness in the wording here - perhaps your partner (Ach - forgot - they replaced him with a Gatso where you are
) could "direct you to cross the double whites...." Shall ask my cousin across the A66 what he does.......
The wording is a straight lift from the TSGRD, and I would assume that TW directions are covered elsewhere, and probably are to the effect that they are only "on duty" while in uniform.
Or not...
The point of this one was to try and put to bed the white line debate, but like any law that on the face of it seems black and white, it's open to interpretation.
Or not...
The point of this one was to try and put to bed the white line debate, but like any law that on the face of it seems black and white, it's open to interpretation.
Dibble said:
The wording is a straight lift from the TSGRD, and I would assume that TW directions are covered elsewhere, and probably are to the effect that they are only "on duty" while in uniform.
Or not...
The point of this one was to try and put to bed the white line debate, but like any law that on the face of it seems black and white, it's open to interpretation.
Another grey area is the wording "necessary to do so" - In whose opinion would it be "necessary to do so" ?
[Mastermind}
Pass
[/Mastermind]
This started off as (I think) you said there was no exemption for Police to cross solid white lines.
The legislation above would appear to cover it, although as stated, it's open to interpretation, as is all law.
Can we leave it that now? No winners, no losers, but there is legislation, which while appearing to be "black and white", may be "shades of grey" at Court (or discipline hearing for BiB).
Pass
[/Mastermind]
This started off as (I think) you said there was no exemption for Police to cross solid white lines.
The legislation above would appear to cover it, although as stated, it's open to interpretation, as is all law.
Can we leave it that now? No winners, no losers, but there is legislation, which while appearing to be "black and white", may be "shades of grey" at Court (or discipline hearing for BiB).
Dibble said:
[Mastermind}
Pass
[/Mastermind]
This started off as (I think) you said there was no exemption for Police to cross solid white lines.
The legislation above would appear to cover it, although as stated, it's open to interpretation, as is all law.
Can we leave it that now? No winners, no losers, but there is legislation, which while appearing to be "black and white", may be "shades of grey" at Court (or discipline hearing for BiB).
Dibble
Chill. This isn't a personal dig at you guys. I just want to know what the bottom line is.
It certainly isn't black and white.
ca9200030303030303001`0 ( )
I didn't take it as a personal dig.
I may have misread the other post, but I thought you had queries/denied/refused existence of legislation allowing BiB to cross solid white lines.
I spoke with staff at HQ Driving Standards Unit, they told me that this is where they have been told we (BiB) get "our" "exemption" from (I appreciate that's a bit like "my best mate's sister got told by her cousin's dog's vet that their niece/nephew really fancies your brothe/sister), but thought the legislation had it covered...
This could run and run. God, I hope not. Solid White Lines just aren't that interesting...
>> Edited by Dibble on Friday 15th October 11:46
) I didn't take it as a personal dig.
I may have misread the other post, but I thought you had queries/denied/refused existence of legislation allowing BiB to cross solid white lines.
I spoke with staff at HQ Driving Standards Unit, they told me that this is where they have been told we (BiB) get "our" "exemption" from (I appreciate that's a bit like "my best mate's sister got told by her cousin's dog's vet that their niece/nephew really fancies your brothe/sister), but thought the legislation had it covered...
This could run and run. God, I hope not. Solid White Lines just aren't that interesting...
>> Edited by Dibble on Friday 15th October 11:46
Dibble said:
Following on from the Castle Combe thread, here's "the Law" on Police (or others, for that matter) crossing white lines
Nothing in paragraph 26(2)(b) above shall be taken to prohibit a vehicle from being driven across, or so as to straddle, the continuous line referred to in that paragraph, if
- it is safe to do so; and
- it is necessary to do so
and it is
(b) in order to pass a stationary vehicle;
Dibble.
Does this mean that I am ok in my bike when I am
s-l-o-w-l-y filtering past stationary traffic, but have crossed DWL's?. I ask this because Streetcop in an earlier post said that he would ALWAYS stop and book someone for doing this.Can you please clear up this confusion for me. Thanks. Blademan.
Dibble said:
ca9200030303030303001`0 (
I didn't take it as a personal dig.
I may have misread the other post, but I thought you had queries/denied/refused existence of legislation allowing BiB to cross solid white lines.
I spoke with staff at HQ Driving Standards Unit, they told me that this is where they have been told we (BiB) get "our" "exemption" from (I appreciate that's a bit like "my best mate's sister got told by her cousin's dog's vet that their niece/nephew really fancies your brothe/sister), but thought the legislation had it covered...
This could run and run. God, I hope not. Solid White Lines just aren't that interesting...
>> Edited by Dibble on Friday 15th October 11:46
Dibble
I accept that vehicles can cross a DWL under the direction of a constable but I think to suggest that a constable can direct him/herself is a bit of artistic license.
Maybe you can quote another precident where this type of direction is used in a similar context?
blademan said:
Dibble.
Does this mean that I am ok in my bike when I am
s-l-o-w-l-y filtering past stationary traffic, but have crossed DWL's?. I ask this because Streetcop in an earlier post said that he would ALWAYS stop and book someone for doing this.Can you please clear up this confusion for me. Thanks. Blademan.
He would, I wouldn't...
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