Inside, Outside, Near Lane, Far Lane, whatever...

[Geoff Bannister]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "Carol" <justcarol67 at ...> wrote:

Carol:
> I see. It was your own metaphor. Very nice. BTW, I have no idea what a
> carriageway is, carriages having long since fallen out of use, much
> less a "trunk A-class road." You are certain, monsieur, zat zis is
> Eenglish you are speaking?

Geoff:
I missed part of your sentence so I shall now rectify that. If you are 
getting tired of the discussion on roads, read no further...... cover your 
eyes, block your ears or whatever.

Allow me to give you a short lesson on the UK road classification system. 
The system really dates back to about 1922 when major roads were given 
an A classification; these have remained the same as the system has been 
altered. For example, the A4 is still the A4. The greater the number of 
digits, the lower the road is down the pecking order so the A3 is more 
important than the A217.

Less important roads but necessary to the main network were classified 
B roads. Other roads - side streets in towns, country lanes etc. are 
referred to as unclassified (Although there is a C class system used 
internally by highway authorities but not displayed on road signs.)

In 1959, the first motorways were opened; I believe these would 
correspond approximately to the US Interstates. They are fully segregated 
dual carriageways - at least four lanes (two each side) with a central 
reservation, although some, such as the (in)famous M25 London Orbital
have eight lanes. They have grade-separated interchanges, hard shoulders 
for emergencies and dedicated service areas. Some major A class roads 
have had sections upgraded to full motorway standard which an be 
recognised by having an M in brackets - for example, long stretches of 
the A1 (London-Edinburgh) are now A1(M).

Many important A roads have been upgraded but do not always have 
full segregation or dual carriageways. These are designated trunk roads. 
If you are driving in the UK, you can know which of the above you are on; 
motorways have road signs which have a blue background while trunk 
roads have a dark green backing .

At one time, road maintenance was carried by local authorities but, nowadays, 
the control and upkeep of motorways and trunk roads is in the hands of the 
Highways Agency.

OK, you can take your fingers out of your ears or uncover your eyes now.
:-)