Red route
Red lines instead of yellow, with stricter rules: a double red line means no stopping at any time.
Red routes are major urban through-routes, mostly in London, where the usual yellow-line system has been replaced with a red one because keeping traffic moving matters more than kerbside parking. The colour is the signal that the rules are tighter than you may be used to.
A double red line means no stopping at any time — stricter than a double yellow, which prohibits waiting but allows some loading. A single red line means no stopping during the times shown on the nearby sign.
Marked boxes in the kerbside give the exceptions: red boxes allow loading or parking at the times printed in them, white boxes are more permissive. Enforcement on red routes is usually by camera, so there is no warning and no discretion.
11 practice questions on this
Each one shows the answer, and our note on why every other option is not it.
Car
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
- You're scheduled to make a delivery. You arrive at your destination during the morning rush hour. The road is edged with double red lines. What do they mean? Vehicle weights and dimensions
- You're driving an articulated lorry that has 3 air lines connected to the trailer. What's the purpose of the red line? Braking systems
- What's prohibited when a Red Route is in operation? Road and traffic signs
- What does it mean when there are double red lines running along the edge of a road? Road and traffic signs
- What's a 'Red Route'? Road and traffic signs
Driving Instructor (ADI Part 1)
- Why have 'Red Routes' been introduced into major cities? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- Where should your learners take particular care to look for motorcyclists and cyclists? Band 1 road procedure
- Your pupil asks you about this sign, which they've seen recently. What should you tell them it means? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge