Discussion
Can anyone give a definative summary of Merge In Turn. We have a MIT on the A4 in Maidenhead, just off the Police Station roundabout, where a short section of 40MPH two lane dual carriageway becomes a 30MPH single lane single carriageway. The SO was driving along there the other day, in very light traffic, having just overtaken a bus, when the bus and her collided.
Our insurers sent us a letter saying that they had admitted liability on her behalf, as she should have given way, since she was in the right hand lane. Looking at the signage it clearly shows the right lane merging in front of the left lane, and the words "Merge In Turn". Having raised this with the insurance company they have sent a letter retracting liability, and are going to investigate further, but I would be keen to know if there are any legal views on MIT, as I could not find any reference to it in the Highway Code.
Any thoughts?
Our insurers sent us a letter saying that they had admitted liability on her behalf, as she should have given way, since she was in the right hand lane. Looking at the signage it clearly shows the right lane merging in front of the left lane, and the words "Merge In Turn". Having raised this with the insurance company they have sent a letter retracting liability, and are going to investigate further, but I would be keen to know if there are any legal views on MIT, as I could not find any reference to it in the Highway Code.
Any thoughts?
IIRC, merge in turn is not an "official" sign. I remember a case a while ago where some MIT signs were put up and significantly improved traffic flow - but were then removed because they were not "legal". This being the case, I would suspect that the general highway code rules would officially apply.
Merge in Turn or "zipping" was supposed to be included in the last Highway Code revision, but some numpty civil servant threw it out at the last minute allegedly. Reason unknown to me at least.
I cannot find the merge in turn sign in TSRGD but when I have seen the sign previously, it is clear to me what is meant by "merge in turn" just by looking at the arrows. Zipping as in the way a zip meshes seems to explain the desired result.
Notwithstanding the International Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea (joke!) that the overtaking vessel keeps clear, and there isn't an element of last second cutting in, then perhaps it is a case of the bus driver deciding to teach someone a lesson for daring to read the signs and in his/her view push in.
I cannot find the merge in turn sign in TSRGD but when I have seen the sign previously, it is clear to me what is meant by "merge in turn" just by looking at the arrows. Zipping as in the way a zip meshes seems to explain the desired result.
Notwithstanding the International Rules for Prevention of Collision at Sea (joke!) that the overtaking vessel keeps clear, and there isn't an element of last second cutting in, then perhaps it is a case of the bus driver deciding to teach someone a lesson for daring to read the signs and in his/her view push in.
Anywhere else have these MIT signs?
I agree with the comment about cutting in front in a daring overtaking move, but unlikely in the SOs case, and not in the Sharan! From what she said, the bus did not let her merge in, when she started to pull over and slow for the 30 limit, the bus kept coming and nudged her.
Would be interested to know where else has these, and if there are any laws regarding them.
I feel that it is a knock for knock situation, since I was not there I cannot comment on it, but was disgusted with the insurer just rolling over and admitting liability without considering the MIT.
I agree with the comment about cutting in front in a daring overtaking move, but unlikely in the SOs case, and not in the Sharan! From what she said, the bus did not let her merge in, when she started to pull over and slow for the 30 limit, the bus kept coming and nudged her.
Would be interested to know where else has these, and if there are any laws regarding them.
I feel that it is a knock for knock situation, since I was not there I cannot comment on it, but was disgusted with the insurer just rolling over and admitting liability without considering the MIT.
We have them in Reading, when you come out from the roundabout at the bottom of Southampton St, heading along the side of the IDR towards London St outside the Oracle (which happens to be one of the most idiotic road systems ever invented by local councillors...).
They were put in because everyone queued diligently in one lane of the two - so savvy people like me went flying past!
They were put in because everyone queued diligently in one lane of the two - so savvy people like me went flying past!
Have only once come across this "FiFZip" some time ago on a dual and thought it a good idea. Problem being that it is not universally known how to merge in turn so there was opposition from those in the nearside lane.
Sign does not appear in TSGD but Sec of Sec can authorise one not shown in the Regs which I presume he would have done to allow Highways to use.
(Dont shout about this too loud as new TM for TB may stick a Reg on the Table of the House and 30 days later - offence to zip out of turn. 60/3 points.)
DVD
Sign does not appear in TSGD but Sec of Sec can authorise one not shown in the Regs which I presume he would have done to allow Highways to use.
(Dont shout about this too loud as new TM for TB may stick a Reg on the Table of the House and 30 days later - offence to zip out of turn. 60/3 points.)
DVD
have always zip-merged anyway.....Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff