As a driver, it’s important to understand the different parts of the road and their functions. One crucial aspect of this is knowing the different types of lanes and carriageways you might encounter on your travels. From acceleration and deceleration lanes to cycle paths and through carriageways, each type of road feature serves a unique purpose and requires a specific approach from drivers. In this lesson, we’ll explore the various lanes and carriageways you’re likely to encounter on the road, including their markings and accompanying signposts. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid understanding of the different types of road features and how to navigate them safely and confidently.

Acceleration Lane:

A designated lane for drivers who intend to enter a through carriageway such as a motorway or motor road.

Deceleration Lane:
A designated lane for drivers who want to exit a through carriageway.

Carriageway:
The part of the road that is open and designated for all riding vehicles, with the exception of cycle paths and cycle/moped paths.

Through Carriageway:
A carriageway without acceleration and deceleration lanes.

Cycle Lane:
A marked part of the carriageway with a symbol of a cycle, typically separated by a solid or broken boundary line. This lane is only to be used by cycles, light mopeds, invalid carriages, and drivers of special types of mopeds.

Cycle Path:
A separate, often elevated, path alongside the carriageway for cycles, light mopeds, invalid carriages, and drivers of special types of mopeds, marked by sign G11.

Emergency Lay By or Hard Shoulder:
A designated paved area beside a motorway or motorroad, separated by a solid white boundary line, where vehicles can stop temporarily in case of an emergency. The hard shoulder may be used without the necessity of an emergency when it is being used as a rush hour lane.

Funeral Procession:
A procession of motor vehicles that escorts the body or ashes of a deceased person to the cemetery or crematorium.

Hatch Markings:
The part of the carriageway where diagonal lines in white or yellow have been placed, known as hatch markings. Drivers are not permitted to cross or enter this part of the carriageway marked by these lines.

Junction or Crossing of Roads:
The point at which two or more roads meet or cross.

Rush Hour Lane:
In many cases, the hard shoulder will temporarily be converted to a rush hour lane, which is indicated by signpost C23.

The accompanying relevant meanings of the following signposts are as follows: [insert signposts and meanings].

C23- 01: Rush hour lane open

C23-02: Clear the rush hour lane

C23-03: The end of the rush hour lane

Shark’s teeth

Inverted triangles on the road surface; sign B6 has the same meaning, i.e. give the right of way to all the drivers approaching from your right and left at the crossing road.