motorways..

[TomTom]

We had a heated discussion at work earlier. Is a motorway classed as a dual carrigeway?

cheers

[kempie]

Although having many shared characteristics with dual-carriageways (multiple lanes, central reservations with barrier etc.) a motorway is a separate classification of highway because of the differences, such as no traffic lights, no roundabouts, no right turns and grade separated junctions (i.e. access from another level via sliproad) to name but a few.

In certain cases where a section of dual-carriageway conforms to motorway standards or may lead on to a motorway with no way to turn off, then this road is designated with an (M) after its number e.g. A1(M).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorway

[Skids]

Where speed restrictions are concerned, motorways and dual carriageways are the same, ie National Speed Limit is 70mph for both unless otherwise stated.

[Gef]

kempie, I think you have misunderstood what wikipedia has to say about Axx(M) type roads as they state that one such raod (can't remember the number) is in fact a sinle carriageway.

Actually I think wikipedia is wrong. In Scotland some of the newish stretches of the A74(M) are actually three lanes and better than some of the original M74 which in places was only two lanes. Also some of the newish stretches are classified as M74 rather than A74(M).

I'm sure I read that it depended one whether the upgraded road followed a new route (M74) or was an improved section of the old route (A74(M)).

[Grunty]

Skids - whilst it is true that the maximum speed limits for cars, motorcycles etc. are the same, that is not true of other classes of vehicle. For example the limits for buses, coaches and goods vehicles are different. See here http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/09.htm#103

[kempie]

Hi Gef

I wasn't limiting Axx(M) designated roads strictly to dual-carriageways only, as disproved by the A6144(M), but my answer was phrased in regard to the original question, vis-�-vis dual-carriageway vs. motorway.

To be honest, the number of lanes seems to be of little consequence with regard to the classification of a motorway since the Welsh section of the M4 is almost exclusively two lanes.

This may be of interest - http://www.cbrd.co.uk/motorway/

[Skids]

Grunty- Who cares? I only drive cars.

[Gef]

Thanks kempie. I still think it is confusing but not really important.

[Narolines]

H'mm...traffic lights......no roundabouts.......been along the M62 recently?