ASLs and feeder lanes

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Origamist

Legendary Member
London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No. 2) Bill


Clause 28
deals with two general issues relating to advanced stopping areas for cyclists. The first is that technically it is an offence for a cyclist to enter the stopping area if there is no cycle lane marked on the highway that feeds into the stopping area. The clause would have the effect of clarifying that where there is an advanced stopping area but no feeder lane, then no offence is committed by cyclists who enter the stopping area at a red light signal.




If and when Royal Assent is granted for the Bill, I'm "wondering" if TFL and the London Boroughs will continue to deploy feeder lanes at ASL junctions given the longstanding problems with cyclists and HGVs.

I hope this clause is more than simply the closing of a legal loophole and TFL etc take the opportunity to examine the feeder lane/ASL concept.


 

HF2300

Insanity Prawn Boy
"The second issue dealt with by Clause 28 is related. It provides that in cases where there is a feeder lane, a cyclist would not commit an offence if he had to enter the stopping area by crossing the first stop line, if the feeder lane is obstructed."

Sounds as if they're simply trying to remove two technical offences, not resolve the problems of ASLs and inadequate cycle lanes.
 
OP
OP
Origamist

Origamist

Legendary Member
The Bill is addressing the legal technicalities, but let's hope it kickstarts a debate that will have wider ramifications.
 

jonesy

Guru
TfL is trying an alternative approach to feeder lanes at ASLs:


5.3.20
Where there is inadequate space for any lead-in lane it may be appropriate to
provide a ’gate’ or stub access to the ASL. These gates may be the only ASL
access or they may be in addition to a feeder lane on a multi lane approach.
At present ‘gates’ will require DfT site authorisation as they are not covered by
TSRGD, although they may be included in a future revision.


http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/publications/2766.aspx
 
OP
OP
Origamist

Origamist

Legendary Member
jonesy said:
TfL is trying an alternative approach to feeder lanes at ASLs:


5.3.20
Where there is inadequate space for any lead-in lane it may be appropriate to
provide a ’gate’ or stub access to the ASL. These gates may be the only ASL
access or they may be in addition to a feeder lane on a multi lane approach.
At present ‘gates’ will require DfT site authorisation as they are not covered by
TSRGD, although they may be included in a future revision.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/publications/2766.aspx

Thanks for the link.

I've seen these "gates" at a few junctions, but they're few and far between (I assumed they were painted to make the ASL reservoir legally accessible). As things currently stand, they seem to be little more than a last resort if a feeder lane cannot be deployed. Apart from creating a mini-opening, I'm not sure what benefit they serve.
 
OP
OP
Origamist

Origamist

Legendary Member
jonesy said:
TfL is trying an alternative approach to feeder lanes at ASLs:


5.3.20
Where there is inadequate space for any lead-in lane it may be appropriate to
provide a ’gate’ or stub access to the ASL. These gates may be the only ASL
access or they may be in addition to a feeder lane on a multi lane approach.
At present ‘gates’ will require DfT site authorisation as they are not covered by
TSRGD, although they may be included in a future revision.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpartners/publications/2766.aspx

Interestingly (probably only to me), they have not been included in the DFT October 2008 Cycle Infrastructure Design.

If you're interested in provision, check it out:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/ltnotes/ltn208.pdf
 
OP
OP
Origamist

Origamist

Legendary Member
It looks like the old "enter the ASL by the feeder lane " is going to be rescinded, if this recently released DFT policy paper gets approval:


Traffic Signs Policy Paper, Oct 2011 (my bolds):

TSRGD currently only permits cyclist access to the ASL through either the gate or cycle lead in lane. This requires cyclists to use the cycle lane where conflicts can occur with turning traffic. The review provides further flexibility in the design of ASLs recommending the removal of the requirement for a lead-in lane or gate, allowing cyclists to access the ASL as they require. There will also be flexibility to provide part-width ASLs which can provide protection where there is no right-turn movement.


http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/signing-the-way/signing-the-way.pdf
 

BentMikey

Rider of Seolferwulf
Location
South London
Quite a few of the ASLs on my commute already don't have a feeder lane. :smile:
 
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