What is a clearway?

Are you wondering what a clearway is? Or what a red route is? Are you asking yourself if there’s a difference between a clearway and an urban clearway? Carwow has the answers.

Even those of us who know what a clearway is might not recognise a clearway sign or know when you may stop on a clearway – and that knowledge could save you from paying a costly fine.

This guide will clear up any clearway confusion.

What is a clearway?

A clearway is a section or road where you are not allowed to stop your vehicle for any reason, unless in an emergency. The beginning of a clearway will be marked with a blue, round sign with a red border and a red ‘X’, while the end of a clearway will be indicated by the same sign, with the addition of the word ‘end’.

Busy roads that would potentially be obstructed where people to park on them tend to be designated as clearways.

Clearway restriction

These restrictions will be in place in a clearway:

• No parking at any time
• No stopping, even momentarily
• Blue Badge vehicles are not exempt

Illegally stopped vehicles may be towed away from some clearways.

When should you stop on a clearway?

There are very few situations in which you are allowed to stop on a clearway.

• If your car breaks down. Ideally, try to coax the car to a safe parking place off the clearway but if this isn’t possible you can stop a broken-down vehicle on the clearway until it can be recovered.
• In a medical emergency. If you or one of your passengers has a medical crisis and it would be too risky to drive on it is permissible to stop on a clearway.
• After a collision. You may have no choice but to stop if you have been involved in a crash. You should still move the car as soon as it is safe and practical.

What is an urban clearway?

The urban clearway is the lesser-known sibling of the clearway: whereas standard clearways operate on a permanent basis, urban clearways bar people from parking on them during peak hours – typically between 7 and 9:30am, and between 4 and 6 pm.

You are allowed to stop on an urban clearway during its hours of operation – but only to drop off or pick up passengers – parking is not permitted during the peak times displayed on the sign.

These restrictions are in place in an urban clearway:

• No parking at any time
• No stopping, other than to drop off or pick up passengers
• Blue Badge vehicles are not exempt

Illegally stopped vehicles may be towed away from some urban clearways.

What is a red route?

Red routes are essentially stricter urban clearways. They tend to be located on major urban roads in cities including London and Leeds and are indicated by single or double red lines on the road.

Double red lines mean the red route operates 24/7, while single red lines indicate there are certain hours where stopping is not permitted; those hours will be indicated on a sign, and you are allowed to stop on a single red line outside of those hours.

Red routes tend to be rigorously enforced, attracting a £160 fine in London (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days).

Clearway FAQs

Is clearway the same as no stopping sign?

Yes, a clearway and a no-stopping zone are effectively the same thing, indicated by a blue circular sign with a red border and a red cross. If you see this sign there is no stopping at any time, with very few exceptions.

Why mustn’t you stop on a clearway?

The purpose of a clearway is to improve traffic flow. By preventing drivers from stopping at the side of the road, there are few obstructions so traffic can move more freely.

When may you stop on a clearway?

You mustn’t stop on a clearway. The exceptions are if you are in a collision, a medical emergency that makes it unsafe to drive, or if your car has broken down.

When may you stop on an urban clearway?

In an urban clearway’s hours of operation (typically the morning and evening rush hour) you shouldn’t stop. You may stop in an urban clearway outside of its hours of operation. It’s also permissible to stop if you have a crash, a breakdown, or a medical emergency.

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