3STOP AND GIVE WAY MARKINGS
GENERAL
3.1 The legal requirements imposed on drivers by the STOP sign and its associated marking are defined in regulation 16. The requirements imposed by the Give Way marking are defined in regulation 25.
3.2 The Stop line shown in figure 3-1 and the Give Way line shown in figure 3-2 are normally positioned so that the edge of the marking nearest to the major road continues the line of the edge of that road, even when the minor road enters at an angle other than 90°. See para 3.21 for guidance on positioning the Give Way line where a 1 m hard strip is provided.
3.3 On two-way minor roads, the Stop or Give Way line normally extends to the centre of the carriageway, the remaining width being marked with diagram 1009 indicating the edge of the major road. Where this would result in Stop or Give Way lines less than 2.75 m long, these should be extended across the full width of the minor road carriageway, and the centre line omitted. The diagram 1009 edge marking is not used at traffic signals.
3.4 Where a one-way street enters a major road, the Give Way or Stop marking is always carried across the whole width of the minor road.
3.5 The transverse markings should be accompanied by longitudinal warning lines, indicating the centreline or lane division, extending from the junction in accordance with the standards set out in para 4.16 for approach warning lines.
3.6 The Directions prohibit the use of STOP signs and markings or Give Way lines on all legs of a junction, as this would cause uncertainty as to which vehicles had priority (directions 30 and 34(1)(a)).
TRAFFIC SIGNAL STOP LINE
3.7 The marking (diagram 1001) consists of a single continuous line 200 mm or 300 mm in width and indicates the position beyond which a driver must not proceed when required to stop by light signals. The 200 mm width is generally for use in urban areas. The 300 mm width should be used in rural areas, or where the 85th percentile speed exceeds 35 mph. The greater width may also be used in urban areas at difficult locations, or where heavy traffic results in rapid erosion of the marking.
3.8 The Stop line will normally be at right angles to the centre line of the road to which it applies. It should be at least 1.5 m in advance of the near side primary signal, although 2.5 m is preferable (see para 9.4). Site conditions may necessitate a greater distance (see below). Recommended layouts are shown in figures 9-1 and 9-2.
3.9 It may be necessary to set back the Stop line to allow for positioning of the primary traffic signal and any pedestrian crossing facility. At some junctions it is necessary to set it back a further distance to permit turning movements into that road (see para 9.5). This is likely to reduce the capacity of the junction; an alternative might be to prohibit a turning movement.
3.10 For details of the stop line used at level crossings and at tramways at traffic signal junctions respectively, see paras 19.3 and 18.12. The advanced stop line for cycles (diagram 1001.2) is dealt with in paras 16.20 to 16.22.
JUNCTION STOP LINE
3.11 The marking (diagram 1002.1) consists of a single continuous line 400 mm wide. It is used only at junctions controlled by STOP signs (diagram 601.1) and must not be used with a GIVE WAY sign (see also paras 3.2 to 3.6). The STOP sign, Stop line and the worded STOP marking (diagram 1022) must always be used in conjunction with each other (see figure 3-1). Two sizes for the word STOP are prescribed, as shown in table 3-1.
3.12 The word STOP is normally located so that the top edge of the legend is not more than 2.75 m nor less than 2.1 m from the nearest part of the Stop line. Exceptionally this may be increased to a maximum of 15 m, e.g. where the vertical curvature or a sharp bend prevents it being seen from a distance.
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