4Do ASLs have any
legal status?
4How many motorists
stop at the first line?
4The Mayor's Response
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002
came into force on 31 January 2003, replacing the 1994 version. Full
text and illustrations at: http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20023113.htm
The Department for Transport published a leaflet
explaining new road markings and signs, including Advanced Stop Lines. The
leaflet stated:
"Where a cycle reservoir has been marked out at
traffic signals at a junction, all vehicles MUST stop at the first stop
line reached unless the signal is green, or the vehicle cannot be safely
stopped for an amber signal. Pedal cycles may use the approach cycle lane
to enter the reservoir without crossing a stop line. Motorcycles MUST NOT
use the approach cycle lane to enter the reservoir while a red signal is
showing even if the cycle lane is an advisory one rather than a mandatory
one."
Members of Westminster Cycling Campaign have now surveyed several junctions
four times since 2002, the latest being in April 2009.
The results of the 2009 survey showed that:
- Motorcycles were the type of vehicle least likely to stop at the
first line. Only 31% did so. This was a small improvement on the 24%
recorded in 2005, however. One eighth of motorcycles crossed the
second stop line on red.
- Taxis were the second least likely to stop (54%, up from 51% in 2003).
- There were continued improvements in compliance by buses (92%, up
from 83% in 2003); but compliance by lorries and vans fell to
70% from 79% in 2005., The improvement for buses may
have resulted from our appeal to the Mayor of London is 2002 (see
response on right).
- Compared with other motor vehicles, a larger proportion of
motorcycles filter through traffic, reaching (and crossing) the stop
line. This depresses the overall result for all types of vehicle.
Further details below.
Some drivers stop at advanced stop lines;
...others don't.
In the past few years, highway authorities have invested quite a
lot of money in advanced stop lines. Although they are not a
panacea, they can make cycling through London a lot easier if they are
properly designed. But their effectiveness is very much reduced by
the minority of motorists who disregard them.
"TfL has pioneered the introduction of a BTEC
qualification for bus drivers in London. As part of the qualification
drivers will be reminded of accurate stopping distances from junctions.
This new qualification will be applied to all new drivers from September
of this year [2002], and bus operators are also being encouraged to train
[existing] staff to the same level.
"Thank you for your suggestion of a campaign to
remind bus drivers to stop correctly at junctions. As you will be aware,
we place posters on the back of buses concerning many important matters. I
will make sure that your suggestion is considered as part of our ongoing
review of new poster requirements.
"I will also talk to the Public Carriage Office
regarding issuing advice to taxi drivers. TfL hold regular meetings with
the taxi industry and it may be relevant to mention this issue at one of
these."