s56(1) 'Entering an Intersection' was repealed (in 2017?), so how did that work out?
Road Traffic Code 2000 [amended 8 Feb 2009, 13 Nov 2009, 16 Nov 2010, 9 Sep 2014]
56(1) Entering an intersection
A driver must not enter an intersection unless there is enough space on the other side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the passage of any other vehicle or pedestrian
It used to be clear, don't enter an intersection unless you can get out. That way, you don't block an intersection or put youself in harm's way.
Now what?
It seems that the old 56(1) is now amended to let a vehicle partially enter an intersection but stay put on a red or yellow control light change and rebadged to Regulation 44:
Road Traffic Code 2000
Part 6 — Traffic-control signals (traffic lights and twin alternating red lights)
Division 1 — Obeying traffic-control signals (traffic lights)
44 What to do if signals change when intersection congested etc.
(1} This regulation applies to a driver —
(a} if a traffic-control signal facing the driver displays a circular green signal at an intersection and the driver has stopped after the stop line, “stop here on red signal” sign, or nearest or only traffic lights, at the intersection; or
(b} if a traffic-control signal facing the driver at an intersection displays a green traffic arrow and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow but the driver has stopped after the stop line, “stop here on red arrow” sign, or nearest or only traffic arrows, at the intersection.
(2} Subject to this regulation, if the traffic-control signals change to yellow or red while a driver is stopped and the driver has not fully entered the intersection, the driver must not begin to enter the intersection, or proceed further into the intersection.
Points: 2 Modified penalty: 4 PU
Version 05-w0-00
However, the Code does not seem explicit on moving into an intersection controlled by signals, to turn right across traffic. There seems no prohibition against blocking cross-traffic when the lights change and a driver is prevented from safely turning by oncoming traffic and is in the intersection facing a red control signal, but to proceed when safe.
If remaining stationary, or attempting to avoid cross traffic, and cross traffic collides, who is at fault ?
If partial or shared responsibility, is regulation 44 a sufficient defence against liability?
Any thoughts would be welcome, thank you.
Road Traffic Code 2000 [amended 8 Feb 2009, 13 Nov 2009, 16 Nov 2010, 9 Sep 2014]
56(1) Entering an intersection
A driver must not enter an intersection unless there is enough space on the other side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle without obstructing the passage of any other vehicle or pedestrian
It used to be clear, don't enter an intersection unless you can get out. That way, you don't block an intersection or put youself in harm's way.
Now what?
It seems that the old 56(1) is now amended to let a vehicle partially enter an intersection but stay put on a red or yellow control light change and rebadged to Regulation 44:
Road Traffic Code 2000
Part 6 — Traffic-control signals (traffic lights and twin alternating red lights)
Division 1 — Obeying traffic-control signals (traffic lights)
44 What to do if signals change when intersection congested etc.
(1} This regulation applies to a driver —
(a} if a traffic-control signal facing the driver displays a circular green signal at an intersection and the driver has stopped after the stop line, “stop here on red signal” sign, or nearest or only traffic lights, at the intersection; or
(b} if a traffic-control signal facing the driver at an intersection displays a green traffic arrow and the driver is turning in the direction indicated by the arrow but the driver has stopped after the stop line, “stop here on red arrow” sign, or nearest or only traffic arrows, at the intersection.
(2} Subject to this regulation, if the traffic-control signals change to yellow or red while a driver is stopped and the driver has not fully entered the intersection, the driver must not begin to enter the intersection, or proceed further into the intersection.
Points: 2 Modified penalty: 4 PU
Version 05-w0-00
However, the Code does not seem explicit on moving into an intersection controlled by signals, to turn right across traffic. There seems no prohibition against blocking cross-traffic when the lights change and a driver is prevented from safely turning by oncoming traffic and is in the intersection facing a red control signal, but to proceed when safe.
If remaining stationary, or attempting to avoid cross traffic, and cross traffic collides, who is at fault ?
If partial or shared responsibility, is regulation 44 a sufficient defence against liability?
Any thoughts would be welcome, thank you.
