Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
Driving through road works in Great Britain comes down to Highway Code Rules 288 to 290: obey the temporary speed limit, which is mandatory, get into the right lane early, merge in turn where lanes close, and never drive into a coned-off area. This guide covers what each road works sign means, contraflows, convoys, temporary traffic lights and what to do if you break down inside the works.
Key facts
- You MUST NOT exceed a temporary maximum speed limit (Rule 288).
- Average speed cameras are often used in road works. A sign shows the length of road where two cameras measure your average speed.
- Where lanes close, merge in turn. Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.
- You MUST pass a works vehicle on the side its “Keep Left” or “Keep Right” sign shows (Rule 289).
- You MUST NOT pass a vehicle showing “CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING” (Rule 289).
The road works rules (Rule 288)
- When you see the “Road Works Ahead” sign, take extra care and look for signs with more detailed instructions.
- Keep to the temporary limit and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane in good time, as the signs direct.
- Do not drive through an area marked off by cones.
- Watch for works vehicles entering or leaving the site, especially those showing amber lights, and leave extra space.
- Give cyclists and motorcyclists room: grit, mud or debris can make them skid.
- Concentrate on the road ahead, not the works. Traffic may be stopped round the next bend.
Temporary speed limits: are they enforceable?
Yes. A limit in a red circle at road works is mandatory, and the “end of road works” sign ends it, along with all other temporary restrictions. If the permanent limit after the works is different from the one before, a speed limit sign is always added. A speed on a rectangular sign (“max speed advised”) is advice, not a legal limit.
Know Your Traffic Signs also shows signs for areas where speed cameras are in use, and for a length of road where two cameras measure your average speed between two points. Braking hard at one camera does not help: it is your average over the whole stretch that counts.
Contraflows and narrow lanes (Rule 290)
In a contraflow, traffic going one way uses part of the other carriageway. You may be in a narrower lane, often separated from oncoming traffic only by traffic cylinders, with no permanent barrier.
- Slow down and increase your following distance at the start and end of the contraflow. Changes in road camber here can affect your car’s stability.
- Keep well inside your lane, where you can clearly see its edges (studs or temporary markings).
- Watch the lane signs. A lane with a car symbol and a width figure is restricted to narrower vehicles.
- If the hard shoulder is in use as a lane, look out for signs telling you it is ending and traffic is moving back onto the main carriageway.
Road works on motorways and dual carriageways (Rule 289)
- Lanes may be closed and a lower speed limit may apply.
- A flashing light arrow or a red X may give early warning of a closed lane.
- Mobile works (line painting, minor repairs) are protected by vehicles with flashing amber lights and a large arrow. Pass on the side shown and do not return to the closed lane until it is safe.
- Rolling road blocks: convoy vehicles with a large red cross and red lights flashing in vertical pairs hold all traffic back while works are done ahead. Do not overtake them.
Convoys, stop/go boards and temporary lights
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Convoy working (not motorways) | Wait where shown for the convoy vehicle, which takes traffic through at around 10 mph. On a single carriageway you must not overtake it. On a dual carriageway you may pass it only after the works, once signs show a higher limit, and if safe. |
| STOP/GO boards | Used for short shuttle-working sites where only one direction can pass at a time. Obey the board held by the operative. |
| Temporary traffic lights | Same meaning as normal signals. There is usually no stop line, so a sign shows where to stop. The red may last longer than normal. |
| Temporary lights at a junction (“3-way” or “4-way”) | Each arm goes through separately, so expect a long red. |
If you break down in road works
Follow the normal breakdown rules (Rules 275, 277 and 278). Where available, move to a signed road works refuge. Some sites have signs telling you to wait for a free recovery service. Steps in full: what to do if your car breaks down.
On the driving test
If your test route meets road works, the examiner wants to see you obey the temporary limit, read the signs early, plan your lane, merge in turn safely and respond correctly to temporary lights and stop/go boards. Treat them as you would any other signs and signals: see how faults are marked.
Common questions
Is a temporary limit in motorway road works the law?
If it is in a red circle, yes. Temporary limits are mandatory and often enforced by average speed cameras.
When does the temporary limit end?
At the “end of road works” sign, which also ends all other temporary restrictions. A speed limit sign may follow it to show the permanent limit.
Should I merge early or late when a lane closes?
The Highway Code says merge in turn where lanes are restricted, and do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic. Rule 134 recommends merging in turn at very low speeds, such as when approaching road works.
Can I overtake a convoy vehicle?
Not on a single carriageway, and never one showing “CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING”. On a dual carriageway you may pass after the works, once the speed limit has gone up, if it is safe.
Can I drive through a coned-off lane if no one is working?
No. Do not drive through an area marked off by cones, whatever you see inside it.
Related: red X signals and smart motorways, UK speed limits, lane discipline and less common UK road signs. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Road works, level crossings and tramways (288 to 307)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (275 to 287)” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “Know your traffic signs” (gov.uk), sections: Speed limit signs; Signs for road works and temporary situations