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Climbing laneUnited Kingdom

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

42. Climbing lane

A climbing lane is an additional traffic lane provided on an uphill section of road for vehicles that travel significantly slower while climbing, particularly heavy or less powerful vehicles. It allows faster traffic to pass without having to move into a lane used by opposing traffic.

Drivers using a climbing lane should follow the signs and road markings that determine who may use the lane and merge back into the normal traffic lane safely when the climbing lane ends. The exact rules and permitted users vary between countries.

Climbing lane
Climbing lane 0.5 miles ahead. (Colmonell, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Billy McCrorie • CC BY-SA
What is a climbing lane?

A climbing lane is an additional lane on an uphill section of road that provides space for slower vehicles while allowing faster vehicles to continue past them.

Who should use a climbing lane?

Climbing lanes are generally intended for vehicles travelling substantially slower than the normal traffic flow, particularly heavy vehicles. The exact restrictions depend on local signs and traffic rules.

What should you do when a climbing lane ends?

Follow the road markings and signs, check surrounding traffic and merge safely into the continuing traffic lane without forcing other road users to brake or change direction suddenly.

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