Right of Way and Priority Rules
- 1/17To take the first exit to the left at a roundabout.
Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane.: When taking the first exit, you should signal left, approach in the left lane, and continue to signal as you leave the roundabout.
The correct approach when taking an exit to the right or going full circle at a roundabout.
Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane.: When going full circle or taking an exit to the right, you should signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, changing lanes only when necessary to exit.
Approaching a mini-roundabout.
Treat it the same as a normal roundabout, passing around the central markings.: Mini-roundabouts should be approached and navigated like normal roundabouts, and vehicles must pass around the central markings, except for large vehicles physically unable to do so.
The correct procedure at a double mini-roundabout.
Treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from the right.: Double mini-roundabouts should be treated as separate roundabouts, and you must give way to traffic approaching from the right at each one.
The first thing to do when approaching a roundabout.
Decide as early as possible which exit you need to take.: Deciding early allows you to position yourself correctly and signal appropriately, ensuring a smooth and safe navigation of the roundabout.
Giving priority to cyclists at a roundabout.
Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane.: Cyclists travel more slowly, and attempting to overtake them within their lane is dangerous. Always give them plenty of room and allow them to move across your path safely.
Signaling left when taking an intermediate exit at a roundabout.
After passing the exit before the one you want.: Signaling left after passing the exit before your desired exit ensures that other road users are aware of your intentions without causing confusion.
Action to take if a long vehicle is straddling lanes on a roundabout.
Give it extra room as it may need to take a different course.: Long vehicles often need to straddle lanes or take wider paths on roundabouts due to their size. Giving them extra room ensures safety for all road users.
Action required if road markings allow you to enter a roundabout without giving way.
Still look to the right before joining the roundabout.: Even if road markings indicate that you may enter without giving way, you should still look to the right to ensure it is safe to join the roundabout.
Pedestrian action when the signal shows a steady green man.
Cross with care.: A steady green pedestrian signal indicates that it is safe to cross, but pedestrians should still be cautious and ensure there are no oncoming vehicles or other hazards before proceeding.
When to cross the road when it is controlled by an authorized person.
Only when signaled by a police officer, traffic warden, or school crossing patrol.: You should only cross the road when directed to do so by authorized personnel to ensure safety.
Action required if there are no controlled crossing points available.
Cross the road at an island in the middle of the road.: Using an island in the middle of the road and the Green Cross Code helps to safely manage crossing in the absence of controlled points.
Pedestrian action when an emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights, and/or sirens.
Move off the road immediately.: Pedestrians should keep off the road to allow emergency vehicles using flashing lights or sirens to pass safely without any obstruction. This ensures that the emergency vehicle can reach its destination quickly and safely.
The safest way to cross the road after getting off a bus.
Wait until the bus moves off and you can see clearly in both directions.: Its important not to cross directly in front of or behind a bus, as visibility may be impaired. Waiting until the bus moves off ensures a clear view of oncoming traffic from both directions, reducing the risk of accidents.
The reason for caution when near tramways.
Trams move quietly and cannot avoid you.: Because trams move quietly and cannot steer, they rely on pedestrians to avoid stepping in their path.
If you are a pedestrian waiting to cross at a railway level crossing with flashing red lights and alarms sounding.
Wait until the lights stop flashing and the alarm stops before crossing.: Pedestrians must not cross when red lights are flashing, alarms are sounding, or barriers are lowering, as this indicates that a train is approaching. Crossing under these conditions is highly dangerous and can result in serious accidents.
Pedestrian action when encountering a closed pavement due to street or pavement repairs.
Cross the road or walk in the road if directed to do so.: If a pavement is temporarily closed due to repairs, pedestrians should follow any instructions to cross the road or walk in the road. This ensures they avoid the unsafe area and remain out of harm’s way.