Trams - overtaking when stopped

[tigger1]

Ok - Nottingham now has a fairly useful tram system, something that not many UK cities have...however, this means that certain areas of the highway code need brushing up on, as the majority of drivers are unfamiliar with driving near trams, so, my question is...



"Are you allowed to overtake a tram that has stopped to allow passengers on/off in the UK?"



I know in some countries you can't - but I'm unsure, and wonder what people's views are. The doors only open at the kerbside of the tram (unlike some foreign tram networks).

[eltax91]

When i was a student in Sheffield i lived on the main route for the trams to get in and out of town. Overtaking a stationary tram was perfectly normal and, as there was a police and fire station nearby, i saw a lot of police vehicles overtaking stopped trams on an almost daily basis.



I guess as long as it's safe to perform the overtake, then the same rules apply as per parked cars.

[tigger1]

[url]http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/27.htm[url

Highway code point 274 said:

274: Take extra care where the track crosses from one side of the road to the other and where the road narrows and the tracks come close to the kerb. Tram drivers usually have their own traffic signals and may be permitted to move when you are not. Always give way to trams. Do not try to race or overtake them.

(My bold)



It's not conclusive, but it does state "do not overtake them" - but I don't know if that is really what it means.



Look forward to a definitive answer

[esselte]

tigger1][url said:

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/27.htm[url

Highway code point 274 said:

274: Take extra care where the track crosses from one side of the road to the other and where the road narrows and the tracks come close to the kerb. Tram drivers usually have their own traffic signals and may be permitted to move when you are not. Always give way to trams. Do not try to race or overtake them.

(My bold)



It's not conclusive, but it does state "do not overtake them" - but I don't know if that is really what it means.



Look forward to a definitive answer

I suspect that means when they are travelling,not when they pick up passengers.

[tigger1]

esselte said:

I suspect that means when they are travelling,not when they pick up passengers.

Doesn't say that though.



Where's Vonitron when you need him? LOL I would hope for common sense to prevail, but TBH I don't think it's likely, espescially not around here.

[TVR 3X]

Overtake implies that the overtaken vehicle is moving and not stationary.



Pass includes either.



Russ