One Way Streets
A General Guide
Introduction
"This street is too narrow for two-way traffic - make it
one-way to allow traffic to flow easier"
"Too much traffic uses this road in the peak-hours - make it
one-way and it will solve the problem"
These are common calls for the introduction of a one-way street.
There are many problems associated with one-way streets that must
be considered before such a measure can be implemented.
A one-way street requires a
Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which involves the full
statutory consultation procedure.
Problems
Many streets suffer from rat-running or high traffic volumes and
may benefit from the introduction of this type of control, but it
is likely that:
- some traffic will simply be diverted onto other less suitable
streets
- the new one-way street may attract more traffic albeit in the
remaining direction
- residents may have to access their street by an alternative and
less convenient route which may involve the use of other
neighbouring streets
- traffic speeds may increase due to drivers' perception that
there is no opposing traffic
- without physical traffic calming there may be an increase in
accidents and their severity
Some, particularly short sections of one-way street are likely
to be contravened by drivers thereby requiring police
enforcement.
If a one-way street is proposed, an exemption for pedal cyclists
may be considered. Contra-flow bus and cycle lanes may also be
considered, where appropriate.
Signing
When a one-way street is implemented, signs such as the familiar
one-way arrows and the No Entry signs must be erected. Where there
are side roads leading to the one-way street, appropriate signs
such as the No Right Turn or Turn Left are necessary. All these
signs are required to be illuminated. The cost of installing
several illuminated signs can be substantial. Appropriate road
markings will also be required.
The risk of increasing accidents in one-way street means that
this measure is not usually considered without
traffic calming. These measures would again increase
implementation costs significantly.
This information has been reproduced by kind permission of
Bristol City Council
