Double white lines and pedestrians/workers
Discussion
Interesting one today which I would appreciate some guidance on: myself and the missus were heading on a 50mph sweeping lane with solid, double, white lines for the majority of the road.
As we come out of a bend, onto a relative straight section, there is a orange jacketed openreach worker walking along the left, i.e. nearside, edge of road (not on the verge) with a clinometer, obviously measuring the distance for new cables. The road is relatively narrow and marked with solid double white lines and, due to the obstruction, the only option to avoid was to straddle the aforementioned lines, which we were forced to do, along with the car behind.
I was wondering what is the opinion on this; the worker was not willing to move, continuing on his jaunt into oncoming traffic without batting an eyelid, and the lane was not wide enough to stay within; the only option was to straddle. In an accident situation or observed by an observant policeman what could be the potential consequences of this, and do we think openreach could have taken a more appropriate approach? (Noted 129 of the HC but this is stiuation is not specified)
As we come out of a bend, onto a relative straight section, there is a orange jacketed openreach worker walking along the left, i.e. nearside, edge of road (not on the verge) with a clinometer, obviously measuring the distance for new cables. The road is relatively narrow and marked with solid double white lines and, due to the obstruction, the only option to avoid was to straddle the aforementioned lines, which we were forced to do, along with the car behind.
I was wondering what is the opinion on this; the worker was not willing to move, continuing on his jaunt into oncoming traffic without batting an eyelid, and the lane was not wide enough to stay within; the only option was to straddle. In an accident situation or observed by an observant policeman what could be the potential consequences of this, and do we think openreach could have taken a more appropriate approach? (Noted 129 of the HC but this is stiuation is not specified)
Jimi.K. said:
Rule 129 says "You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle"
Seems pretty obvious to me that in the situation you described you're absolutely fine to briefly cross the double white line. What other option is there?
Agreed, thank you, and I was conscious that I would be able to pass a vehicle etc. as per 129. However, in this case I was more surprised that the worker (who was at least 4/500 yards from their vehicle) did not yield or attempt to move off their cause forcing me across the lines - I would've hoped they had more sense, or self preservation! Seems pretty obvious to me that in the situation you described you're absolutely fine to briefly cross the double white line. What other option is there?
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