How to Merge in Turn at Roadworks & Lane Closures

The Highway Code [source]

  • NOTE: Signs showing the lane is closed ahead are NOT instructing you to change lanes.
  • You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed (Rule 134)
  • Move lanes only when directed with the blue circle sign with the white arrow, and the cones push you over.
  • Do not change lane unnecessarily if congested (Rule 134).
  • Slow to a slow speed to merge in turn when you approach the arrows to move lane (Rule 134).
Lane close ahead sign. This is NOT instructing you to move lane, it's just warning a lane is close further ahead:
Sign giving instruction to move:

 

 

If someone tries to block you

  • The Highways Act 1980, Section 137 makes it an offence to obstruct free passage of the highway.
  • Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 3 makes it an offence, to drive without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place.
  • Highway Code Rule 144 states that you must not: Drive dangerously, Drive without due care and attention, Drive without reasonable consideration for other road users.

 

References

Highway Code Rule 288:

  • "When the ‘Road Works Ahead’ sign is displayed, take extra care and look for additional signs providing more specific instructions. Observe all signs".
  • Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct.
  • Where lanes are restricted due to road works, merge in turn (see Rule 134)

Highway Code Rule 134:

  • "You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed. In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed.".

The Highways Act 1980, Section 137 [source]:

  • 137 (1) - "If a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway he is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine or both."
  • 137 (1B) – “it does not matter whether free passage along the highway in question has already been temporarily restricted or temporarily prohibited (whether by a constable, a traffic authority or otherwise).

Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 3 [source]:

  • “If a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, he is guilty of an offence.”
  • Section 3ZA defines the Meaning of careless, or inconsiderate, driving:
    • (2) “A person is to be regarded as driving without due care and attention if (and only if) the way he drives falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.”
    • (4) “A person is to be regarded as driving without reasonable consideration for other persons only if those persons are inconvenienced by his driving”

Highway Code Rule 134:

You MUST NOT

  • drive dangerously
  • drive without due care and attention
  • drive without reasonable consideration for other road users.