Whether you’re a newcomer to driving or have some experience on UK roads, chances are you’ve come across or heard about a slip road. If you’re unsure of it’s meaning and want to learn more, you’re not alone. Knowing how to handle a slip road smoothly and correctly can significantly improve your driving game and keep you cruising safely.
That’s why we’re here – to break down everything you need to know about slip roads and the essentials for navigating UK roads as a driver.
What is the definition of a slip road?
In simple terms, a slip road is a designated section of roadway designed for joining or exiting a motorway or dual carriageway. It provides a transition area where drivers can pick up speed to merge onto the main highway. It’s important to note that slip roads are only one-way, running in the same direction as the road you intend to join. Therefore, you will find one on each side of the motorway. That sounds easy enough, but there is more to slip roads than meets the eye.
How do you merge onto a major road using a slip road?
When merging onto a slip road, it’s important to accelerate to match the speed of traffic on the motorway, ensuring the safety of yourself and other drivers. Remember it’s much easier to slow down to join traffic at the end of the slip road than it is to speed up. If you travel slower than the vehicles already on the major road, it can lead to braking and potentially create congestion, known as ‘jamiton’ where traffic slows down to around 12mph.
Utilise your vehicle’s mirrors to signal and check your blind spots, ensuring awareness of the road before joining. This is particularly crucial when navigating merging slip roads, as you’ll need to transition onto the inside lane of the main road.
If you’re relatively new to driving, this might sound intimidating, and indeed, it can be daunting the first few times you attempt it. However, it’s an aspect of driving that becomes easier over time, and most motorists will recognise the presence of a slip road. They may either move to the right lane or slightly slow down (if safe to do so) to create space for traffic merging onto the main road.
What are the two types of slip roads?
In the UK, there are two primary types of slip roads. The first type merges onto larger main roads and typically disappears once the motorist has successfully merged. The second type involves the slip road expanding into an additional lane on the road, gradually widening as it joins the main road.
With the first type, as previously mentioned above, you will need to join the main road by moving across, changing lanes from the slip road. The second type operates slightly differently, you can remain on the slip road which then becomes the inside lane of the wider road you are joining.
Slip roads for exiting a major roads
Slip roads are useful for joining dual carriageways and motorways, but they are also helpful for exiting them. It may seem tempting to start slowing down before reaching the slip road (unless it’s a tight exit which would be signposted), however, it is designed as both an exit point for a major road and a declaration lane, allowing you to slow down on the slip road. This design prevents disruption on the motorway that might occur if breaking were to occur before the slip road.
On approach to the slip road, you should start signalling at the 300-yard marker to make other road user’s aware you will be exiting.
FAQs
What is the speed limit on a slip road?
The speed limit on motorway slip roads is typically 70mph, unless indicated otherwise by signs. However, for slip roads on other types of roads, such as dual carriageways, there is no standard limit. In these cases, maximum speed limits are often indicated by signs along the slip road.
Is stopping permitted on a slip road?
Stopping is generally not permitted when driving on a slip road, except in emergencies. In such cases, it’s advisable to manoeuvre your vehicle as far to the left as possible to reduce traffic disruption. However, if you encounter difficulty joining a major road from a slip road due to heavy traffic, it’s safer to stop and wait for a suitable gap rather than attempting to swerve onto the road.
Overtaking on a slip road?
When there are two lanes available, overtaking is permitted on slip roads. However, it’s important to exercise caution as slip roads are primarily used for adjusting speed during merging or exiting a major road. If a vehicle ahead is moving at a dangerously slow speed, drivers should assess the situation and use their judgement to decide whether overtaking is safe and appropriate.
