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[Markjay]

Just a quick question...

Does the 'straight ahead' arrow on the traffic light (marked with the red arrow) mean that a right-turn is not permitted? Or is it a 'suggestion' only?

If it does mean that you are not allowed to make a right (or left) turn, then what is the difference between this and the 'no right turn' sign (marked with a blue arrow)?

 

[Markjay]

[hotel21]

In the highway code, they are both 'signs giving orders'.  If a road user fails to comply with such signs, they are liable for prosecution.

Those with a red circle on the outside are generally 'prohibitive' in nature - no overtaking, no right turn etc......

Those with blue circles but no red border mostly give 'positive instruction' - ahead only, keep left etc.

Either way, both types are telling you to do/not do something.

HtH

 

[Auto Addict]

Quote ' If movement is allowed in one direction only, the full green signal is normally replaced by a green arrow. This may be supplemented by a sign to reinforce the meesage.'

Department of Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs.

Page 120.

[Paul M]

hotel21's explanation is spot on as you'd expect, but I'll add my "layman's" understanding of it

The straight ahead one means you can only go straight ahead -- much the same as if there was a no left turn and no right turn on either side of the light. The traffic light probably has a forward arrow for the green light too.

The no right turn only prevents that particular turn, so you can still turn left, or indeed go straight on (assuming there are no other signs preventing those manoevres.

[Markjay]

Hotel21, the downside of you being the first to reply to posts on highway code and other legal issues is that it cuts the discussion short as no-one dares dispute what you say  

The plus side is that you provide accurate and precise information, so there is really not much more to be said anyway  

Thanks!  

[hotel21]

Hotel21, the downside of you being the first to reply to posts on highway code and other legal issues is that it cuts the discussion short as no-one dares dispute what you say  

The plus side is that you provide accurate and precise information, so there is really not much more to be said anyway  

Thanks!  

 

I can delete it if you wish.  Thought you were looking for info, not starting a friday quiz.....  

[Auto Addict]

Hotel21, the downside of you being the first to reply to posts on highway code and other legal issues is that it cuts the discussion short as no-one dares dispute what you say  

The plus side is that you provide accurate and precise information, so there is really not much more to be said anyway  

Thanks!  

 

I can delete it if you wish.  Thought you were looking for info, not starting a friday quiz.....  

Main point of all this is, everyone should have both the latest edition of the Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs.

.....and read them......

[CaptainZok]

Shouldn't there be a conventional ahead only sign somewhere on the left, with this illuminated sign on the TL there just as a reminder?

[Taxi_Driver]

Im a bit confused with that photo.......
Obviously I can see the red stop light......and the go straight ahead arrow lit as well......so is it pointing at the black cab in front of the camera.......if so how can he go....with all the traffic crossing the junction.
OR im guessing its pointing at the traffic flowing from the left.

London has some of the most confusing junctions ive ever seen.......

One ive come accross in London is im sitting in the left lane at traffic lights......i wanna turn left, but the signs say i carnt!! Why ffs.....its not as the left turn is a one way street!

[Andy B]

........ One ive come accross in London is im sitting in the left lane at traffic lights......i wanna turn left, but the signs say i carnt!! Why ffs.....its not as the left turn is a one way street!

There's a similar example here as you go to Tesco.
Why can't we have what the Americans have ie turn right on a red signal where/when possible. (obviously swapped round to driving on the left!  ) I believe the Aussies do it too

[amigov6]

Must admit i was'nt sure on that one. If i'd had to i'd have guessed it was an order or instruction. Reminded me of HGV Training a few years back. You'd approach a T junction & expect to be told to make a left or right turn but if there was a 7.5t weight limit you were expected to turn the other way without instruction.
    The other one that used to catch me out was a STOP sign @ a junction without traffic lights. I used to creep forward & go if it was clear, but stop means stop, mirror check, stop engage handbrake & reverse the whole process when setting off again.

[Golfbuddy]

Hotel21, the downside of you being the first to reply to posts on highway code and other legal issues is that it cuts the discussion short as no-one dares dispute what you say  

The plus side is that you provide accurate and precise information, so there is really not much more to be said anyway  

Thanks!  

 

I can delete it if you wish.  Thought you were looking for info, not starting a friday quiz.....  

Main point of all this is, everyone should have both the latest edition of the Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs.

.....and read them......

Does this mean it's been reprinted since 1979 then???  

[Markjay]

So to sum it up what everyone is saying is that a straight-ahead arrow under the traffic light means that you can't go in any other direction.... but in this junction you should be able to turn left... or at any rate many do... as there would be no sense in not allowing a left-turn in this type of junction?

[Markjay]

And I suppose this is also valid also for road markings, but on another issue anyone who entered the Limehouse Link tunnel from west to east will know that the two lane in front of the entry on the western approach are marked as left-turn and straight-ahead, though everyone uses both lanes for straight-ahead (the tunnel forks shortly after yopu enter it so if you don't use the right lane before the entrance you will need to change lane inside the tunnel). So this would seem an offence as well...