Road works, level crossings and tramways•Rule 290
Driving Safely in Contraflow Systems
Contraflow systems mean that you may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal and with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. The hard shoulder may be used for traffic, but be aware that there may be broken-down vehicles ahead of you. Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead and observe any temporary speed limits.
💡Example
In contraflow systems, lanes are narrower and there may be no solid barrier between you and oncoming traffic, so you must keep well back from the vehicle in front and obey temporary speed limits. The hard shoulder might be used as a running lane, so watch out for broken-down vehicles. For example, on a motorway with roadworks and a contraflow in place, you slow to the signed 50 mph limit and leave extra space from the car ahead, staying alert for any stationary vehicles on the hard shoulder lane.
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