Turning right across white lines.

Jenni_D

Bottom line ... yes you can turn right across it*, IF it is hatching and not chevrons AND there is no other signage restricting this action.

* At least to enter the other road. The sections mentioned here and in that other forum don't appear to say whether you can exit the other road and turn right across them.

Grey_Critic

No matter the rights or wrongs I wonder how many people actually just turn in or pulling out turn right

Ergates

Does "I'm really thirsty and I need a drink" count as an emergency?

Manxman_in_exile

Is the answer that it's ok to cross solid lines with hatchings to enter a property on the right (like the OP's example) but it's never OK to cross solid lines and chevrons (except in an emergency)?

prowla

So, what are chevrons?

prowla

Aha!

In https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/road-markings.html, the HC defines "Areas of white diagonal stripes":

So those in the picture are white diagonal stripes.

However, it doesn't define "chevrons".

Looking at #130; may say that the terms "diagonal stripes" and "chevrons" are interchangeable, or it may be referring to two separate things.

130
Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.

• If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
• If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.

Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)

In English, ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_(insignia), a "chevron" is a 'V' shaped symbol (like sergeant's stripes), which is certainly different to a diagonal stripe.

Therefore, based on the fact that we are in the UK, the area between the white lines does not contain chevrons.

And thus neither clause of HC #130 applies and there isn't an item to cover solid lines containing diagonal stripes.

So then the next nearest one is HC #129, which says you can cross double solid white lines to enter a premises (if it is safe to do so).

129
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 26

I suppose there are a couple of caveats to that logic:

1. The condition "unless it is safe" is somewhat self-fulfilling; if there were an accident as a result, then it would inherently mean it wasn't safe.
2. The HC rules also give the underlying laws, which may give more precise detail.
   

prowla

And further...

The use of chevrons can be found on UK roads:

The "keep 2 chevrons apart" on motorways.

On sharp bends.

Here's a picture from the HC showing solid white lines with chevrons between, so the HC does know the difference between "chevrons" and "diagonal stripes".

Car_54

prowla said:

Here's a picture from the HC showing solid white lines with chevrons between, so the HC does know the difference between "chevrons" and "diagonal stripes".

Indeed it does, and it makes perfectly clear that Rule 130 applies to both. "Rule 130. Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road".

Jenni_D

Car_54 said:

prowla said:

Here's a picture from the HC showing solid white lines with chevrons between, so the HC does know the difference between "chevrons" and "diagonal stripes".

Indeed it does, and it makes perfectly clear that Rule 130 applies to both. "Rule 130. Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road".

But the debate (misunderstanding?) across several posts has been regarding the Should and Must elements ... the Must only applies where there are solid white lines and chevrons. If there are solid white lines and diagonal lines then rule 130 doesn't apply, and rule 129 takes effect instead.  

Car_54

Reading the relevant legislation [The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002, Schedule 6], it seems that the road markings are incorrect, and should have chevrons instead of diagonal lines.
Little wonder people are confused.