Keep left reminder arrows can be used on the approaches and departures of:
Keep left reminder arrows can be used in both urban and rural areas based on an assessment of risk. Crash information, (such as the number of crashes involving those with overseas licences) can be sourced from the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Crash Analysis System. Arrows should be typically used where historically there have been issues with drivers being confused as to the lane in which they should travel, particularly after exiting an intersection or access, or at one-lane bridges (refer to the one-lane bridges section) or tunnels (refer to the tunnels section). The arrows are more likely to beneficial in rural areas where operating speeds are higher (leading to high severity outcomes) and volumes are lower (ie there are fewer other vehicles to remind drivers to keep left).
One-lane bridges and other roadways
Whilst isolated treatments may be easier to implement, keep left reminder arrows should be planned and applied consistently on a route or network basis.
All keep left reminder arrows on rural roads should be marked in accordance with the information provided in Table 13‑1 and Figure 13‑2. Typical layouts are provided in Figure 13‑2, Figure 13‑3, Figure 13‑4, and Figure 13‑5.
Table 13‑1: Standard marking of keep left reminder arrows
| Application | |
|---|---|
| Colour | Reflectorised white |
| Dimension |
As shown in Figure 13‑2 |
| Proportion | Length dimensions can be increased by 50% if needed |
| Approach sight distance to arrows | Approximately 65m to 100m in urban areas and 140m to 160m in rural areas when used so that there is enough time for motorcycle riders to see them and avoid riding over them. |
Figure 13‑2: Keep left reminder arrow marking dimensions
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Keep left reminder arrows are typically needed where drivers turn at intersections or accesses to rest areas, viewing points, tourist accommodation and other tourist destinations and facilities.
Clause 2.4 of the Road User Rule specifies:
If road markings or traffic signs designate specific lanes for specific manoeuvres at the approaches to an intersection, a driver must not use any lane except for the manoeuvre appropriate to its marking or signage.
When keep left reminder arrows are installed near intersections, they should be marked no less than 60m from the side road or access point to minimise the potential for confusion with lane arrows for the intersection. A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 13‑3. Where there are other markings at an intersection (such as right turn lanes and flush medians) variations to the placement of arrows should be used (Figure 13‑4).
In some areas there may be numerous, closely spaced opportunities to view scenery, take photographs, visit attractions (such as wineries and craft outlets etc.), where it is not practicable to place two pairs of arrows near every point of access. In such cases the road controlling authority may place keep left reminder arrows in pairs at locations which provide timely reminders of correct lane usage; especially approaching points of limited forward visibility.
If a side road is well used by tourists, then it may also be appropriate to mark keep left reminder arrows on the side road. However, arrows can imply straight ahead movements are intended. This could create confusion on side road approaches, therefore, where practicable, keep left reminder arrows should be marked in pairs at least 200m from the intersection.
Figure 13‑3: Keep left reminder arrows at intersections
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Figure 13‑4: Keep left reminder arrow layout near seagull marked intersection – drawing to be amended to reflect best practice intersection layouts
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On routes that typically have a high number of tourists and lower volumes (eg AADT less than 3,000vpd) keep left reminder arrows may be marked at about 5km intervals as a general reminder to drivers that they should be driving on the left.
Arrows should especially be used on approaches to curves, as this is where many of the wrong side driving crashes have occurred. As far as practicable the arrows should be positioned to avoid locations of higher friction demand, such as within low radius curves or where the arrows cannot be viewed over sufficient distance. They should not normally be marked:
Figure 13‑5: Keep left reminder arrows placement near curves
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Keep left reminder arrows need to be placed so that they are visible and do not create an additional hazard. Additional markings on the road can create reduced skid resistance for motorcyclists, so arrows should not be placed through horizontal curves and / or over the crest of vertical curves.
In addition, other information to help drivers understand the road rules can be provided via other sources, such as information centres, websites and vehicle rental companies which can be accessed prior to and during a journey.
