Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/82

CLEARWAY AND NO STOPPING SIGNS in Part I of Schedule 19 (see Appendix C for full details). There is no longer a requirement for a traffic regulation order. Regulation 10(1) makes it an offence to fail to comply with the indication given by these markings. There is no longer a specific requirement (under the ) to consult on the introduction of a new bus stop clearway, but it is strongly recommended that those likely to be affected should be consulted over the location and times of operation of the proposed restrictions. It should be noted that Schedule 19 permits taxis to stop in a bus stop clearway to pick up or set down passengers.

Schedule 19, paragraph 2 and direction 25(1) both require that the road marking is used in conjunction with an upright sign to either diagram 974 or 975. The time period shown on the sign may be varied or omitted as appropriate. It must not be changed to the expression ”at any time” as this does not comply with either Schedule 16, item 38 or Schedule 19, paragraph 2(a).

Diagram 974 is used where the road marking legend is BUS STOP and diagram 975 where the road marking legend is BUS STAND. In Schedule 19, paragraph 1(a) the definition of a "clearway" includes both bus stops and bus stands, whereas the definition of a ”bus stop clearway” relates only to bus stops and not to bus stands. The requirement of Schedule 19, paragraph 3(a) is that a bus may stop in a ”clearway” for as long as it is necessary to maintain a scheduled service, but in the case of a "bus stop clearway" there is a time limit of two minutes. Therefore, if buses are expected to stop for longer than two minutes, other than to pick up and set down passengers or for a change of crew, the clearway should be marked and signed as a bus stand.

Schedule 19, paragraph 3 allows only local buses to use a bus stop clearway; the signs to diagram 974 and 975 should therefore be varied to include the word ”local” before ”buses”. As the meaning of the road marking is specified in Schedule 19, it is not appropriate for it to be provided at bus stops used by non—local buses, except where the marking was laid before the 2002 Regulations came into force and the bus stop clearway is supported by an order. In this case the upright sign without the word "local" may continue to be used. It is not appropriate to make a new order for a bus stop clearway with conditions different from those set out in Schedule 19. Where non—local buses need to use a bus stop this should be signed only with the bus stop flag sign to diagram 970. If necessary, a prohibition of waiting and loading may be imposed (see section 6). It should be noted that the advisory bus stop marking prescribed by the 1994 Regulations as diagram 1025 or 1025.2 was no longer lawful from 1 January 2007 (regulation 3(2)(b)) and should have either been removed or converted to a bus stop clearway.

Where the bus stop clearway does not operate at all times, a prohibition of waiting might be required at other times. It is not practicable, nor 80