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T.P.D.M.V.2.3
(Al/2001)
3.4.2.7 The division of two way single carriageways into three lanes, either in the form of two lanes
serving one direction and one lane serving the other, or, having a common centre lane used
for overtaking in both directions, is not appropriate for roads in the Territory and therefore
must not be employed. The reasons for this being that such configurations are potentially
dangerous in respect of:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Where the carriageway is divided into two lanes in one direction and one lane in the
other, vehicles in the single lane attempting to overtake slower moving vehicles, even
where the double white line system is employed , by moving into the fast lane of
traffic approaching in the opposite direction.
Where the centre lane is used as a common overtaking lane by traffic in both
directions, vehicles overtaking slower vehicles moving into the path of vehicles
overtaking in the opposite direction.
Vehicles making right turns from premises fronting the road having to anticipate at
the same time, both, gaps in the lane or lanes of traffic immediately adjacent to their
side of the road, and gaps in the lane or lanes of traffic in the opposite direction.
Vehicles making right turns into premises fronting the road obstruction traffic behind
them, and in the case of turning from the single lane, because this will bring all
following traffic to a halt, causing the turning driver to attempt to negotiate gaps in
the opposing traffic which are too small, and in the case of vehicles turning from the
two lane direction being in the path of faster moving traffic which have been using
this lane to overtake slower moving traffic.
3.4.2.8 The exception to paragraph 3.4.2.7 will be in the situation where on a steep gradient, an
additional climbing lane is required to be provided in accordance with section 3.3.8 of this
chapter. However in urban areas, roads of this nature will often have frontage development
with access being required into and out of premises at frequent intervals, and also vehicles
stopping to service such premises. If the latter is the case, and right turning pockets cannot
be provided to protect turning traffic in both directions and/or stopping restrictions cannot
be imposed, then it is preferable to have an extra wide two lane carriageway.