Traffic schemes

These are a form of speed bump which doesn't go across the entire road. This allows larger vehicles, such as Buses or Fire Engines, to pass at normal speed but slows most vehicles.

This deals with objections from the emergency services and bus companies.

These reduce speed by creating a barrier that only allows one vehicle to pass at a time.

Chicanes further reduce speed by creating a short, sharp bend in the road.

Priority measures also provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians.

At junctions with reduced visibility, building out the kerb into the carriageway can help.

This allows vehicles to pull out further, increasing visibility without any increased risk.

Pedestrians are also protected, having more space to stand, and have increased visibility.

Building out the kerb forces vehicles to park further from a junction or crossing point.

These help control traffic movements, without completely restricting access.

One way traffic may be for an entire street or a short section at one end. Short sections can be difficult to enforce if drivers are irresponsible enough to drive the wrong way.

One way streets can lead to an increase in traffic speed.

These are a means of stopping all traffic entering a road. Roads are usually closed by a barrier but may have a gate for Emergency Services vehicles.

Near to a road closure, it is necessary to make provision for large vehicles to turn around. That is why it is not used in many residential areas.

It may also be inconvenient to some residents due to limited access.

Standard roundabouts assist at junctions where vehicles often turn right.

They work best where traffic flows are well balanced.

Like standard roundabouts, mini ones assist at junctions where vehicles often turn right. They also help reduce accidents by slowing traffic.

They are often able to fit within the existing road space, without widening the road.

Tactile paving uses small bumps or ridges. This help people with impaired vision know where a crossing begins.

All new Zebra and Pelican crossings have Tactile Paving. Similar paving is also used at many ramped crossing points.

Many Pelican crossings use audible beeping and the green man signal to show when it is safe to cross.

Where two Pelican crossings are close together, there will be a tactile knob on the push button. This shows people with impaired vision which crossing is safe to cross. There will be no audible beeping.

A junction entry treatment goes across the road. This is to show drivers that they are leaving a main road and entering a residential area. This treatment often has a speed table or kerb build-out.

Carriageway markings are a cheap and cost-effective way of reducing accidents. White markings are generally advisory.

• At junctions, they show priorities
• as centre or lane lines, they show the best line for vehicles to follow.

Lane arrows show which lane a driver should use for turning and going straight-ahead. These appear on the approach to traffic signalled junctions. Lane arrows are usually not permitted on the approaches to roundabouts.

SLOW markings are often used on the approach to a hazard.

Drivers must not cross any solid white lines (unless turning right). They prevent overtaking and reduce speeds on roads with poor visibility.

It is also an offence to park in any section of a road marked with a continuous white line.

There are many grades of priority junction, including:

• a give way line
• a give way line and triangle marking give way line
• a triangle marking and a give way sign
• a 'stop' sign marking.

Traffic lights aim to control traffic flow at a junction by sharing out the time to different lanes. Pedestrians also get a share of time.