What is a Clearway

You may have seen the word what is a clearway on road signs while learning to drive or even as an experienced motorist, or you’ve seen the clear areas where you’re not allowed to park. But what exactly is meant by “clearway,” and why is it an important concept for drivers to know?

In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at what is a clearways are, what applies to them and why they are so important when it comes to safe roads and smooth traffic. If you’re someone who is interested in becoming a more aware driver, read on to make sure you understand clearway zones and how to pass through them properly.

What is a Clearway ?

A clearway is a length of road or section of lane on which it is absolutely forbidden to stop, to wait, or to park at all times within that are specified times. These limitations are to keep the traffic flowing smoothly, but particularly in areas of high traffic where gridlock could cause accidents or people being late. Clearways are generally established on arterial roads, bus routes and at other important places where uninterrupted vehicular flow is essential.

Clearway stands are identified with a specific road sign (normally a depiction of a car with a line through it to denote that vehicles are not to be on the stand) at the stand location. These areas tend to be around pinch points where parked cars could obstruct traffic flow – leading to traffic jams – or narrow the passage of emergency vehicles.

Why Are Clearways Important?

Clearways are important for a number of reasons. Here is a breakdown of their significance:

1. Traffic Flow Management

Clearways are intended to keep traffic flowing freely, especially in busy urban areas. If you park cars in these zones, it can impede lanes, cause major delays. By keeping these spots free, vehicles can still move, avoiding traffic jams and congestion.

2. Emergency Access

Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police cars must be able to gain quick access in busy city streets at all times. The advantage of clearways is that they save valuable time for emergency services to get through, even during the busiest times of day when they need it most, if someone is in danger.

3. Pedestrian Safety

Roading clearways work well, and pedestrian safety is enhanced. If vehicles are prohibited from stopping in places like bus stops, crosswalks and other high-traffic areas, there are fewer opportunities for vehicles to hit pedestrians.

4. Preventing Illegal Parking

Clearways are a deterrent against parking offences. They are collecting time on the street, and they have strict enforcement power to write tickets and collect money. This is a way to keep the thing controlled and keep the roads open to all.

5. Types of Clearways

Not all clearways are the same. Hours and days that a clearway applies may differ between areas and the road in question. Below are a few examples of clearways:

6. No Stopping Clearways

These are the standard clearways that you are not allowed to stop at any time. As you’ll find lining many busy roads, highways or at intersections, these clearways allow for traffic to flow freely without the interference of parked cars.

7. Clearways During Specific Hours

Some clearways only apply at certain hours of the day. These normally occur during peak periods, i.e. when traffic is expected to be at its maximum. For instance, a clearway could operate between 7 AM and 9 AM and 4 PM and 6 PM, the times that commuters generally cause the most congestion.

8. Clearways for Bus Lanes

Bus lanes are clearways in many cities. It is restricted to through traffic, by buses, taxis and sometimes bicycles during certain hours. These clearways keep public transport punctual and efficient.

How to Identify Clearways

• Clearways are signposted. These “messages” are engineered to be as recognisable as possible and contain three main elements:
• “No stopping” sign, which reads “Clearway”: It is commonly accompanied by another sign indicating what time the restriction applies.
• The no stopping symbol: A traffic sign showing a car with a red line through it means cars are not allowed to stop there.
• Additional signs: Usually clearway areas are also signposted with a clearway times sign, e.g. “Clearway – No Stopping 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Monday to Friday”toFixed onesignal.com pls indicates it is not always the same–time of day- sign NSW; border places VIC).

If you see any of those signs, be sure to pay attention to those hours, because violators may be fined.

What If I Get Caught Parking in a Clearway?

The other thing is that you should not park in a clearway; there are ramifications of doing so that can be quite serious. And depending on the area and its enforcement policies, here are some potential outcomes if you park in a clearway:

• Fines

A fine is the typical penalty for parking in a clearway. These fines may be small or large, depending on local regulations. And these fines are often higher than the parking fines, more generally, in the same spot.

• Towing

Vehicles parked in clearways may be towed from some locations. This can often be seen in heavily populated city areas, where the flow of traffic takes precedence. If your car is towed, you may have to pay a towing charge as well as a fine to get your vehicle back.

• Penalty Points

There may also be penalty points added to your driving record for breaking clearway rules, impacting your driving history and the price of insurance.

How to Avoid Clearway Violations

Here are a few useful tips to help you avoid parking or stopping in clearways:

• Look for Road Signs

Mind any road signs that mark out clearway areas. Watch out for additional signs that tell you the hours you can’t park there.

• Use Public Transport

If you need to walk through built-up areas with clearways, let someone else drive or take the bus and carpool. This will also reduce the potential of having to find places to park in NO STOPPING ZONES, as well as avoid navigating around clearways.

• Plan Your Journey

Plan your route before you go. Adopt more apps or GPS systems that identify clearways, so you can stay out of your way and stick to legal parking.

• Check Local Regulations

Parking regulations will vary greatly from place to place. Just remember to always check local rules for the area you’re driving. Websites such as Learn & Drive can help you keep up-to-date with traffic laws in your area.

Conclusion

It is absolutely important for a driver to get an idea of clearways and know how they work. If you adhere to the rules — and the limitations on your freedom — you’ll save yourself a ton of cash and also help traffic move along and the roads be a bit safer. Don’t forget, clearways are in place so our streets can continue to run smoothly, safely, and be accessible, including for emergency services and all road users.

Whether you’re new to driving or simply getting ready for the test, take time to WWW.learnanddrive.UK around what is a clearway zones and how to negotiate them correctly. We give you the information and the knowledge to become a responsible and safe driver.