Road markings - paulc924

In the village near to where I live the edge of some road sections have been painted with white lines and the words "Keep Clear" included. Although I have seen this before I wondered how this is different to double yellow lines which mean the same thing to me. I haven't a Highway Code so I don't understand the difference. Any offers please?

Edited by paulc924 on 11/03/2011 at 17:11

Road markings - FP

Double yellow lines = no parking

"Keep Clear" = no stationary traffic + no parking (obviously). I assume this is next to a turning/driveway which may require access at any time.

Road markings - martint123

I haven't a Highway Code so I don't understand the difference. Any offers please?

Highway code online

The signs and markings bit.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycod...m

Road markings - paulc924

Thank you both. The marking is at the side of a road leading to a "T" junction. Wouldn't a double yellow line do the same thing? Regards

Road markings - FP

"Wouldn't a double yellow line do the same thing?"

No. "Keep Clear" means "Don't even stop here in slow-moving traffic." Same sort of forward thinking needed as for pedestrian crossings (you shouldn't be stationary on them, even in traffic) or box-junctions (don't enter unless the exit road is clear).

Road markings - daveyjp
You don't need a TRO for a keep clear marking. They are advisory so no strict offence for stopping in a keep clear area, but you could be fined for lack of consideration to other motorists.
Road markings - Dwight Van Driver

.......... or maybe obstruction

dvd

Road markings - paulc924

Thanks again. I have just had a look at the junction and taken a photo but it doesn't show the scene very well. The junction is at Wynyard Road/High Street in Wolviston Billingham but the markings can't be seen either on Bing maps or Google maps. If you have a look at street view on Google maps you will see the junction. Both sides of Wynyard Road are marked from the High Street for about 15/20 yards heading East. As for not stopping within the markings there is a compulsory stop junction heading on to the High Street. I agree with the comment about keeping lanes clear near junctions to allow traffic to turn in etc as this makes sense. In these cases the whole width of the lane is marked. There are similar junctions to the one in question within Billingham but they are marked with double yellow lines. I still can't see the difference unless it is one of appearance for those who live in the village. Regards.

Road markings - davecooper

We have "Keep Clear" markings on the road outside our Police and Ambulance stations but our Fire Station has yellow hatching. Obviously a double yellow would be no good in either case as this would not prevent you obstructing the exits. In the case of the Ambulance and Police stations, you would probably not even be aware of what they were unless you were local.

Road markings - daveyjp
"I still can't see the difference unless it is one of appearance for those who live in the village."

There is a massive difference. To get authorisation for double yellow lines the Council has to go through a legal process. It takes 3-6 months and costs about £5,000. If agreed a Traffic Regulation Order is then in place which allows fines to be issued for cars parking on them.

Getting 'Keep Clear' notices only requires the Council to agree then find someone with a can of paint! Quicker process, but no legal standing.
Road markings - captain chaos

Don't really see the need for keep clear markings at obvious places like entrances to fire stations, hospitals and the like, it's common sense. I always leave side roads clear when I reach a line in traffic. It's just common courtesy IMHO

Road markings - RT

Common sense has got nothing to do with the way that many people drive - we wouldn't need box junction markings if everyone used common sense.

Road markings - paulc924

The answer from daveyjp seems to fit the bill. So why doesn't the council save some money and use Keep Clear markings instead of yellow lines and save the likes of you and me some money I wonder? Best Regards.

Road markings - daveyjp

Because the Council can get the money back by slapping parking fines on those who park on double yellows - the return far exceeds the outlay.

Road markings - davecooper

You can use double yellows over a long distance, miles if you want, but "Keep Clear" markings can only be used for a short length of road. Also, double yellows are purely to control parking, they don't keep a junction etc clear. They are totally different animals.