Rail trackSouth Africa

A track consists of rails that guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may be separated from ordinary traffic or incorporated into a road.

Yes. Tram tracks may be embedded in the carriageway and share part of the road with other traffic, depending on the local road layout and traffic rules.

The applicable priority rules vary between countries, but rail vehicles commonly receive special priority because they cannot leave their tracks. Always obey traffic lights, signs and local rules.

This depends on the road layout and local regulations. Tracks incorporated into an ordinary traffic lane may sometimes be used by other vehicles, while reserved tram tracks or separate railway tracks may not.

You should never stop or park where your vehicle would obstruct a rail vehicle. Local traffic law may specifically prohibit stopping or parking on or close to tracks.

Wheels can slip on wet rails or become trapped in the groove beside a rail. Riders should cross tracks carefully and, where possible, at an angle that reduces the risk of a wheel following the rail groove.

No. Maintain sufficient distance so that you can react safely if the tram stops, passengers enter the roadway or traffic conditions change.

Yes, where crossing is permitted, but pedestrians should carefully check for approaching rail vehicles and obey pedestrian lights and crossing restrictions.

No. Tram tracks can be incorporated directly into a street or carriageway. A railway level crossing is a specific place where a road or path crosses railway tracks, usually with dedicated warning signs or signals.

Do not enter a track crossing unless there is enough space to clear it completely. Never deliberately stop where a tram or train could be blocked.