Large vehicle crossing double white lines

[Wollemi]

Just this evening I followed a coach going along a B road (B6161 north of Otley). The width of this vehicle was such that it was necessary for it to cross the double white lines in the centre of the road - by several feet in places.

What is the legal situation here? Is it legal to cross the double whites if the width of the vehicle is such that it would be impossible to drive along it otherwise.
If not legal, whose responsibility would it be - the driver? Or the coach company for sending the driver along such a route in a too wide vehicle.
(Note, this road is not subject to a width restriction)

Later on, the same coach also had to drive over a mini roundabout (rather than around it) - is this legal?

[vonhosen]

Yes & Yes.
Legal for both.

[Pica-Pica]

Both legal, no choice! Driver's fault if incautious.

[Pica-Pica]

Same would apply if it were a harvester, but I would expect an accompanying escort (vehicle).

[Pica-Pica]

Both legal, no choice! Driver's fault if incautious.

[Wollemi]

So is the law being a bit of an ass here?

If it is dangerous to cross the double white line by choice, then surely it's just as dangerous if you have no choice? The vehicle coming in the other direction around the blind bend doesn't care how you got onto the other side of the road?

[TTmonkey]

Wollemi said:

So is the law being a bit of an ass here?

If it is dangerous to cross the double white line by choice, then surely it's just as dangerous if you have no choice? The vehicle coming in the other direction around the blind bend doesn't care how you got onto the other side of the road?

It's not illegal to cross double white lines..... if you have to.

[vonhosen]

Wollemi said:

So is the law being a bit of an ass here?

If it is dangerous to cross the double white line by choice, then surely it's just as dangerous if you have no choice? The vehicle coming in the other direction around the blind bend doesn't care how you got onto the other side of the road?

It isn't always dangerous to cross double white lines.
They however limit the risks (you can't remove all the risks) by limiting the incidence.

[Dixy]

Chapter 5 says the road should be at least 6.1 m wide, the lines you talk about have the same lack of enforceability as a row of flies walking up the centre of the carriageway.

[Register1]

Dixy said:

Chapter 5 says the road should be at least 6.1 m wide, the lines you talk about have the same lack of enforceability as a row of flies walking up the centre of the carriageway.

Oh well,
There go's another perfectly good keyboard,

Chuckle, chuckle

R1

[Pica-Pica]

Dixy said:

Chapter 5 says the road should be at least 6.1 m wide, the lines you talk about have the same lack of enforceability as a row of flies walking up the centre of the carriageway.

Well, not cats anymore though.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/road-sign-wa...

[johnao]

Wollemi said:

So is the law being a bit of an ass here?

If it is dangerous to cross the double white line by choice, then surely it's just as dangerous if you have no choice? The vehicle coming in the other direction around the blind bend doesn't care how you got onto the other side of the road?

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

(6) Nothing in paragraph (2)(b) 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 if necessary to do so—

(a)...
(b)...
(c) owing to circumstances outside the control of the driver;

[p1esk]

johnao said:

Wollemi said:

So is the law being a bit of an ass here?

If it is dangerous to cross the double white line by choice, then surely it's just as dangerous if you have no choice? The vehicle coming in the other direction around the blind bend doesn't care how you got onto the other side of the road?

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

(6) Nothing in paragraph (2)(b) 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 if necessary to do so—

(a)...
(b)...
(c) owing to circumstances outside the control of the driver;

(d) to meet the objectives of an experienced driver using good judgement.

[foxsasha]

Wollemi said:

Just this evening I followed a coach going along a B road (B6161 north of Otley). The width of this vehicle was such that it was necessary for it to cross the double white lines in the centre of the road - by several feet in places.

What is the legal situation here? Is it legal to cross the double whites if the width of the vehicle is such that it would be impossible to drive along it otherwise.
If not legal, whose responsibility would it be - the driver? Or the coach company for sending the driver along such a route in a too wide vehicle.
(Note, this road is not subject to a width restriction)

Later on, the same coach also had to drive over a mini roundabout (rather than around it) - is this legal?

Great little road that, much fun to be had, traffic permitting.

[watchnut]

Unless entering the road there is a width restriction on vehicles driving along it. Most of us don't notice these signs as most of us drive narrow vehicles, drivers of vehicles over for example 6ft 6" should make sure they obey the signs.......or not