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Selective barriersUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

36. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.

The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.

Car trap on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, which allows buses through while excluding ordinary cars. (Longstanton, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Colin Smith • CC BY-SA
What is a bus gate or modal filter in the United Kingdom?

A bus gate or physical modal filter can restrict general motor traffic while allowing the vehicle types indicated by the signs and local traffic order. A bollard alone does not tell you every exception.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,141–142; bus-gate access indications

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

May a private driver pass a lowered or open bus-gate barrier in the United Kingdom?

Only where the relevant traffic signs and restrictions permit access. An open barrier may be used for servicing or authorised passage; its position is not permission to disregard a restriction.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,141–142; bus-gate access indications

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

What should a cyclist do at a British selective access barrier?

Use a cycle bypass only when it is intended and lawful for cyclists. Slow down, check clearance and give way where required by the signs, path layout or traffic conditions.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,141–142; bus-gate access indications

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...