Rules for Road Works, Level Crossings and Tramways

Reference: 🔗 Gov.uk - Rules for Road Works, Level Crossings and Tramways

Summary - Rule 288 to 307

  1. Road Works: Always obey signs, reduce speed, keep a safe distance, avoid lane switching, and watch for cyclists and debris. Special care is needed for high-speed roads and contraflow systems.
  2. Level Crossings: Never stop on crossings, obey signals, use railway telephones when required, and ensure it is safe before crossing.
  3. Tramways: Stay out of tram-only routes, give way to trams, avoid parking on tracks, and be cautious of pedestrians. Cyclists and motorcyclists should cross tracks at right angles to avoid skidding.

Rule 288: Safety at Road Works

  1. Follow all signs, including ‘Road Works Ahead.’
  2. Do not exceed temporary speed limits.
  3. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
  4. Get into the correct lane in advance; avoid lane switching to overtake.
  5. Be cautious near cyclists and motorcyclists due to debris.
  6. Merge in turn when lanes are restricted.
  7. Do not drive through areas marked with traffic cones.
  8. Leave extra space for works vehicles with amber warning lights.
  9. Focus on the road ahead, as there may be slow-moving or stationary traffic.
    Stop when the traffic lights show

Rule 289: Special Care on Motorways & High-Speed Roads

  1. Watch for closed lanes and lower speed limits.
  2. Obey signs on works vehicles (e.g., ‘Keep Left/Right’).
  3. Do not overtake vehicles displaying ‘CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING.’

Rule 290: Features in Road Works Areas

  1. Narrow lanes: Stay within the marked lanes and keep a safe distance.
  2. Contraflow systems: Reduce speed and increase distance due to no barriers.
  3. If broken down, move to a designated refuge area or follow roadwork recovery services.

Rule 291: General Precautions at Level Crossings

  1. Never drive onto a crossing unless the road ahead is clear.
  2. Never stop or park on or near the crossing.

Rule 292: Overhead Electric Lines

  1. Obey height warning signs.
  2. Do not proceed if your vehicle touches a height barrier.

Rule 293: Controlled Crossings

  1. Stop when red lights flash; do not cross until lights go off.
  2. Do not reverse onto a crossing.
  3. If lights keep flashing after a train passes, another train is coming. Stop when the traffic lights show

Rule 294: Railway Telephones for Special Vehicles

  1. Large, slow, or low vehicles must use the railway telephone to get permission before crossing.

Rule 295: Crossings Without Traffic Lights

  1. Stop and wait for the barrier/gate to fully open before crossing.

Rule 296: User-Operated Crossings

  1. Stop when the red light is on.
  2. Open both gates, check the green light, cross quickly, and close the gates.

Rule 297: Crossings Without Lights or Barriers

  1. Stop, look, listen, and use the railway telephone if available.

Rule 298: Open Crossings

  1. No barriers or lights, only a ‘Give Way’ sign. Ensure no train is coming before crossing.

Rule 299: Incidents and Breakdowns on Crossings

  1. Evacuate immediately if your vehicle breaks down.
  2. Use railway telephones to alert the signal operator.
  3. Move the vehicle only if there is time before a train arrives.

Rule 300: Tram-Only Routes

  1. Do not enter lanes or routes reserved for trams.
  2. Avoid driving on tram rails.

Rule 301: Giving Way to Trams

  1. Be cautious where tram tracks cross the road.
  2. Never try to overtake or race a tram unless in a designated lane.

Rule 302: Parking Restrictions Near Tram Tracks

  1. Never park where it would block trams or force other vehicles onto tram tracks.

Rule 303: Tram Stops

  1. Do not drive between a stopped tram and the kerb.
  2. Follow road signs and markings at tram stops.

Rule 304: Pedestrians Near Tram Stops

  1. Watch for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram.

Rule 305: Trams Have Right of Way

  1. Always give priority to trams, especially when pulling away from stops.

Rule 306: Cyclists and Motorcyclists on Tram Tracks

  1. Cross tram tracks at right angles to avoid skidding, especially when wet.

Rule 307: Overhead Electric Lines for Trams

  1. Tram overhead wires are usually 5.8m high but can be lower. Ensure clearance when driving high vehicles.