There's more and more short white lines appearing at the side of roads, like this: =https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=55.923873,-3.207465&spn=0.000001,0.000439&safe=strict&t=k&z=21&layer=c&cbll=55.923873,-3.207593&panoid=EJ3JK-i5nhN0uot8tV1KvA&cbp=12,149.2,,0,24.09]
I can guess that they are there to deter inappropriate parking but do they have any legal basis? I can't see any reference to them in the highway code.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure
What do short white lines at the edge of the road mean?
(8 posts)-
Posted 9 years ago #
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Sorry, can't figure out how to get the link to work!
Posted 9 years ago # -
Is it the parking bay you are talking about? Think that outlines the area affected by parking restrictions on the sign.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Arellcat linked to the appropriate diagram previously when discussing these lines (I'll see if I can dig out the thread). I think the concensus was they don't mean Jack, and are merely courtesy lines.
Here we go;
"The solid white line is Diagram 1012.1 (TSR & GD 2002) and is to mark (a) the edge of the carriageway available for through traffic other than at a road junction, an exit from a private drive onto a public road or a lay-by, (b) the back edge of a hard shoulder, and (c) the edge of a footway where it passes over a railway or tramway level crossing. Diagram 1012.1 is not associated with parking restrictions.
A cycle lane with a continuous white line (Diagram 1049) is a mandatory cycle lane which would need signing and road markings in support of it as well as a TRO. The edge of carriageway markings are usually implemented to give the impression that the road is narrower than it actually is, with the aim of slowing traffic. Cyclists could ride inside the line if they wanted but the markings are not there for this specific reason, and so the cut-throughs in the build-outs are even more pointless than they seem.
"Posted 9 years ago # -
@steveo thanks!
@kaputnik thanks for digging out that info. The reason I asked is that I've started seeing these lines being used at locations other than described by Arellcat, e.g. where there is a lowered kerb to give access to a traffic island. Seems like a classic example of the council wanting to be seen to do something to appease concerns of peds without impacting on the availability of precious roadside parking space.Posted 9 years ago # -
I think it's an easy way for the council of saying "Don't park here". If they were to paint double yellow lines outside people's driveways I suspect they may have to apply for a TRO for every one?
Posted 9 years ago # -
Luath - I think you are referring to H (or I) markings which show "Part of the carriageway outside an entrance to off-street premises or a private drive, or where the kerb is dropped to provide a convenient crossing place for pedestrians, which should be kept clear of waiting vehicles" http://m.tsrgd.co.uk/sign.html?id=1026.1
The markings don't mean much as the offence of causing an obstruction applies whether or not the lines are there. But it might make it more obvious to drivers that they shouldn't park there and be easier to persuade police to take action if someone is causing an obstruction. The lines might be given more significance under the Proposed Responsible Parking (Scotland) Bill.Posted 9 years ago #
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