Contra’ means against, while traffic ‘flow’ refers to the movement of vehicles on any given road.
So, a contraflow system is where traffic in one or more lanes on the same carriageway (side of the road) is directed the opposite way to normal—against the flow.
Contraflow systems can be either permanent or temporary.
Where the contraflow system may affect you the most, as a car driver, is when you’re travelling on a motorway or dual carriageway.
By definition, dual carriageways divide traffic travelling in different directions with a central reservation. Everyone on your side will be going the same way: with-flow traffic.
It’s much safer to keep drivers separate on these roads, given the high speeds allowed.
What is the central reservation?
“The narrow piece of lane between two halves of a large road”- Cambridge English Dictionary
In other words, it’s the physical barrier that separates lines of traffic going in different directions.
When roadworks are taking place, you’ll often find just part of the carriageway closed. In order to keep traffic flowing smoothly, you might be told to merge into another lane, or warned of lower temporary speed limits in place.
However, for more extensive works and repairs, or a major accident closing one side of the road, you may find a contraflow system being enforced. The whole of one carriageway will be diverted across the central reservation and onto the opposite carriageway, to run concurrently with the traffic on that side. Where this happens, you will usually be separated from oncoming vehicles only by traffic cones, and lanes are likely to be narrower than normal.
To compensate for these increased risk factors, there will probably be a reduced speed limit in force, which you must observe.
Contraflow cycle lanes
Contraflow cycle lanes
One-way streets are generally designed to keep traffic moving, but tend to disadvantage cyclists. They might be forced to use busy routes and dangerous junctions. Because of this, bike users may be tempted to ignore the signs and get round the restrictions by cycling the other way along the pavement—which puts pedestrians at risk.
Separate contraflow cycle lanes offer a safer alternative, allowing cyclists to ride either direction along one-way roads. This enables them to avoid more hazardous routes, and, in many cases, reach their destinations more quickly. Cyclists using these lanes are less likely to be involved in accidents, and are less of a threat to pedestrians on pavements.
As a driver, you need to be aware of which direction any other person is travelling. Although contraflow cycle lanes lessens the risks of those on pedal bikes, but they are still vulnerable road users, and can only keep safe when you observe the rules and give them plenty of room, Make sure you’re familiar with the blue contraflow cycle lane sign, and always keep in mind road markings.
Where there is a solid white line dividing a contraflow cycle lane from other vehicles, you must not cross it. Straying across dashed white lines is allowed, but only when necessary, and when you are sure it is safe to do so.
Contraflow cycle lanes are sometimes merged with contraflow bus lanes. In these cases, both bus drivers and cyclists will be travelling against the rest of the traffic.
Contraflow bus lanes
As with their cycle counterparts, contraflow bus lanes are usually found on one-way streets within busy cities. They allow buses to shortcut busier roads, so that they aren’t so often stuck in traffic. This help to keep all road users moving as much as possible.
Identifying the contraflow bus lane sign was the most commonly failed road sign question on their practice tests during 2017. That’s an easy mark to throw away—and when you’re only allowed 7 mistakes in total on the theory test, every bit of knowledge helps. Thankfully, this sign is one of the more non-cryptic ones. Study it, and you’ll soon be able to recognise where a contraflow bus lane is in force.