The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

Mandatory with flow cycle lanes

12.—(1) This paragraph applies to the road marking provided for at item 7 of the sign table in Part 6—

(a) when that marking is being used to separate a cycle lane from another part of the carriageway; and

(b) where the direction of travel along the cycle lane and the part of the carriageway from which it is separated is the same.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) to (5), the marking conveys the requirement that a vehicle, other than a pedal cycle, must not be driven, or ridden, in the cycle lane during the cycle lane’s hours of operation (which may be all the time).

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not prohibit a vehicle from crossing into the part of the carriageway reserved for pedal cycles, or straddling the marking, if it is safe and necessary to do so—

(a) in order to pass a stationary vehicle;

(b) to enable the vehicle to enter, from the side of the road on which it is proceeding, land or premises adjacent to the length of road on which the line is placed, or another road joining that road;

(c) due to circumstances outside the control of the driver;

(d) in order to avoid an accident; or

(e) for the purpose of complying with any direction of a constable in uniform or a traffic warden.

(4) When a vehicle is being used for at least one of the purposes mentioned at sub-paragraph (5) and the observance of the prohibition in sub-paragraph (2) would be likely to hinder the use of the vehicle for that purpose, then that prohibition does not apply to the driver of the vehicle.

(5) The purposes are—

(a) fire and rescue authority;

(b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;

(c) ambulance;

(d) providing a response to an emergency at the request of an NHS ambulance service;

(e) bomb or explosive disposal;

(f) special forces;

(g) police; and

(h) National Crime Agency.