THURSDAY 28 FEB 2013
The MET Police have today contacted cyclists to clarify the law on Advanced Stop Lines, (ASL's). Cyclists who have previously used Roadsafe to report criminal, nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the roads of London would have received an email today clarifying in what circumstances is an ASL infraction should be reported.
RULE 178 HIGHWAYCODE
ADVANCED STOP LINES.
Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked.
If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.
A motor vehicle simply being in the ASL is to be "avoided", but is not an offence. The actual offence is the crossing of the first line when the lights are on amber or red. Therefore it is important if reporting ASL infractions to Roadsafe, that you have footage of the line being crossed on amber or red.
They also go on to remind cyclists of the law surrounding their use of ASL's:
The ASL should have a lead - in cycle lane so that cyclists can legally gain access to the reservoir ahead of the motorists’ stop line. Cyclists are not permitted to gain access through the solid white line, by entering the cycle box in this way they are also committing the offence of Contravening a Red Traffic Contrary to section 36(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, regulation 10 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.
So in other words, by not using the bit of the cycle lane that feeds into the ASL, cyclists are also committing an offence by crossing the first white line on amber and red.
Stay safe. Maintain the moral and legal high ground when you're on the roads.