Narrow roads

illustration

Vehicle waiting in a passing place to allow passage of oncoming vehicle or following vehicle to pass.

Road Sign

Sign marking a passing place on a narrow or winding road

Some roads (often called single track roads) are only wide enough for vehicles to move in one direction at a time. They may have special passing places along the road. When you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, and a nearby passing place is on your side (left side), pull in; if it is on the other side (right side), wait opposite it. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever possible. Do not park in passing places.

 

Road Sign

Warning sign - the road ahead narrows on both sides

Steep hills 

Road Sign

Warning sign - a steep downhill section of road ahead, with advice on selecting a low gear

 

Road Sign

Warning sign - a steep uphill section of road ahead

The ratio shows the gradient, the higher the ratio, the steeper the slope. For example, a 1:5 slope (or 20%) is steeper than a 1:10 slope (or 10%).

When driving downhill, for other than a short distance, do not rely solely on your footbrake to slow down the vehicle. To maintain control, select and stay in a low gear and adjust speed with light pressure on the footbrake.

(For advice on parking on hills, see page 95.) 

Road Sign

Warning sign - the road ahead narrows on the left side

These warning signs are also used as temporary signs at road works when the normal
road width is reduced.