Tidal Flow Lane Control Signs and Signals
Tidal flow lane control signs and signals tell drivers and riders which lanes are open or closed at
different times of day so traffic can flow more smoothly in the busiest direction. This page explains what these
tidal flow lane control signs and signals mean, how to recognise them quickly, and links to every individual sign
and signal in this category so you can revise them for your car theory test, motorcycle theory test, HGV / LGV theory test, PCV
theory test, or ADI Part 1 theory test.
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What are tidal flow lane control signs and signals?
Tidal flow lane control signs and signals are part of the UK road and traffic sign system used to manage lanes
that change direction depending on traffic demand. They help you understand which lanes you can use, which lanes
are closed, and when you must change lane, so you can plan your journey safely and confidently on busy multi-lane
roads.
You'll usually see:
- Overhead lane control signals with a red 'X' showing a closed lane and green arrows indicating
which lanes are open.
- Advance tidal flow information signs explaining how the lanes operate at different times of
day.
- Directional arrows and road markings guiding you safely into the correct lane as the tidal
flow changes.
Understanding these tidal flow lane control signs and signals is essential if you regularly drive on busy urban
routes or multi-lane roads where lane directions change - and they can all appear in your DVSA driving theory test
and hazard perception test.
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Source: Department for Transport - Know Your Traffic Signs. Contains public sector
information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.