Turn left but not through the filter
Discussion
If you're aproaching this junction from the south (on the A236) you can obviously turn left at the left filter (onto the A24). For reasons that are beyond me, the light sequencing means that sometimes when you approach the junction, the lights to go straight/right are green, but the left filter is red.
I know it's for the pedestrian crossing ( which you can see here), but not entirely sure why they'd sequence it in such a way, because at this junction each direction goes on it's own so there's essentially 3 sets of red lights from the main junction when it could be a green crossing.
Now, is there anything stopping you from going left at the main set of the lights i.e. A236 left onto A24 ( which are here) given that the only thing painted on the road is a straight arrow (rather than also the text say "straight ahead only").
The only particular reason I ask, is because the traffic light sequencing means that the pedestrian crossing across the A24 ( which can be seen here) has a green light, while the main set of lights that I you might want to turn left at are green.
I cannot see anything that means you can't, unless I've misunderstood and that actually the arrow on the ground means straight ahead only.
I know it's for the pedestrian crossing ( which you can see here), but not entirely sure why they'd sequence it in such a way, because at this junction each direction goes on it's own so there's essentially 3 sets of red lights from the main junction when it could be a green crossing.
Now, is there anything stopping you from going left at the main set of the lights i.e. A236 left onto A24 ( which are here) given that the only thing painted on the road is a straight arrow (rather than also the text say "straight ahead only").
The only particular reason I ask, is because the traffic light sequencing means that the pedestrian crossing across the A24 ( which can be seen here) has a green light, while the main set of lights that I you might want to turn left at are green.
I cannot see anything that means you can't, unless I've misunderstood and that actually the arrow on the ground means straight ahead only.
With no "Ahead Only" lettering it is only recommended straight on - very unfortunate when, as you say, the Green on the A236 (per Google link) is illuminated at the same time as the Green for cycles crossing the A24. So anyone ignoring straight ahead arrow could pick up a cyclist (possibly a pedestrian) on their bonnet.
Probably safer for all if "Ahead Only" was added or No Left Turn sign after main set of lights?
Probably safer for all if "Ahead Only" was added or No Left Turn sign after main set of lights?
The 'straight on' arrows on the road surface are advisory.
Absent any signs which convey a No Left Turn prohibition at that junction, then you wouldn't be breaking any traffic sign regulations by turning there.
Whether or not passing plod may raise an eyebrow would remain to be seen, especially if you'd nipped by a queue of traffic waiting in the left filter lane.
Absent any signs which convey a No Left Turn prohibition at that junction, then you wouldn't be breaking any traffic sign regulations by turning there.
Whether or not passing plod may raise an eyebrow would remain to be seen, especially if you'd nipped by a queue of traffic waiting in the left filter lane.
Pretty clear given the layout of the junction and arrows on the road that you can't turn left from the ahead/right lanes. I imagine there are many junctions up and down the country similar to this.
Is there a TRO stopping you from making that movement, probably not.
If people were regularly making that manoeuvre though the local highway authority would have to do something about it before someone get ran over crossing at the ped crossing.
Is there a TRO stopping you from making that movement, probably not.
If people were regularly making that manoeuvre though the local highway authority would have to do something about it before someone get ran over crossing at the ped crossing.
It's not something I've done but merely something I've wondered as I've sat at the red left filter, wondering whether I could go through the green light and make a 90degree left around the corner.
But as has been mentioned, there's no give way for the left filter, so it wouldn't be wise to do when both lights are green because the sequencing of the lights means that there shouldn't be any other traffic coming toward them.
But as has been mentioned, there's no give way for the left filter, so it wouldn't be wise to do when both lights are green because the sequencing of the lights means that there shouldn't be any other traffic coming toward them.
c1223 said:
I cannot see anything that means you can't, unless I've misunderstood and that actually the arrow on the ground means straight ahead only.
When this question comes up we go through four stages:1) invariable someone makes the case that on their own they are advisory. The legislation mandates a sign. There you go, question answered.
2) The question then arises that just because you can, should you?
3) Then the question is whether or not you can get a ticket for being a
.4) The question is then raised whether or not there is another hold up further up the road where a bigger boy will get out and thump you.
So yes, you can use the junction this way. But you shouldn't.
(Disclaimer: I've not looked at the legislation and cba, but everything you need is on https://www.legislation.gov.uk/
)c1223 said:
It's not something I've done but merely something I've wondered as I've sat at the red left filter, wondering whether I could go through the green light and make a 90degree left around the corner.
But as has been mentioned, there's no give way for the left filter, so it wouldn't be wise to do when both lights are green because the sequencing of the lights means that there shouldn't be any other traffic coming toward them.
Who's side do you think the insurance company would come out on if you turned left at the "straight on" light only to have the left-hand filter turn green and a car pull out and hit you?But as has been mentioned, there's no give way for the left filter, so it wouldn't be wise to do when both lights are green because the sequencing of the lights means that there shouldn't be any other traffic coming toward them.
To me, you would both be in the wrong.
I'd agree with you Drumroll. It's junctions exactly like this that make me look at every junction everytime, even if I've got a green light.
I guess my question was also to discuss the implications of the pedestrian light being green, but a driver "technically" being allowed to drive through that crossing because they also have a green light.
The only solution would probably be having the lights as straight and right arrows and/or marking the road with "ahead only". (Providing my understanding of the law and road markings is correct).
I guess my question was also to discuss the implications of the pedestrian light being green, but a driver "technically" being allowed to drive through that crossing because they also have a green light.
The only solution would probably be having the lights as straight and right arrows and/or marking the road with "ahead only". (Providing my understanding of the law and road markings is correct).
No? Because as you turn left there's also a junction coming in from the right which I presume is the loading bay for the sainsbury's.
Hence why its red and to give exiting lorries a chance.
I only ever go straight on there, hate it further south on church road. Wide open road no hazards but for some reason 20mph speed limit with cameras.
Hence why its red and to give exiting lorries a chance.
I only ever go straight on there, hate it further south on church road. Wide open road no hazards but for some reason 20mph speed limit with cameras.
Edited by PisstNBroke on Wednesday 9th December 22:15
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