One-way trafficUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
9. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
Wikimedia.org • Ardfern • CC BY-SA
How should I read a one-way restriction in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, follow one-way signs, no-entry signs and lane arrows. The Highway Code distinguishes the road’s traffic direction from a separate contraflow facility. Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,143; cyclist Rule 69 and counterflow facilities
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)
Road with one-way traffic.
English • GB diagram 652 • One-way traffic. Traffic on the road travels in the direction shown. This rectangular sign identifies one-way traffic.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2022-01-12. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])
Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 652.
Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.
No entry.
English • GB diagram 616 • No entry. Vehicular traffic must not enter from this direction. Read any permitted exception plate.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2024-11-14. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])
Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 616.
Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in the United Kingdom?
The Highway Code requires cyclists to obey one-way restrictions unless signs indicate an exemption or a designated contraflow cycle arrangement applies. Drivers must look for authorised oncoming cycle or bus movements instead of assuming every lane serves their direction.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,143; cyclist Rule 69 and counterflow facilities
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in the United Kingdom?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,143; cyclist Rule 69 and counterflow facilities
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: regulatory signs (Great Britain)
