Driving in the city, especially in busy city centre, is far more challenging than driving in rural areas. High concentration of cars, pedestrian and cyclers, a lot of traffic lights and signs - all this contributes to high risk of accidents. City driving requires high concentration and good reaction time. When driving in a busy city centre it is even more important to know your route, give signals early enough, change lanes in advance and be considerate to other drivers.
Traffic lights
Green traffic light - you have the right to proceed.
Red traffic light - you must stop.
'Red and Amber' traffic light - indicates that traffic light will soon change to green. But you must wait until the green light before proceeding.
If you see continuous amber it means that you must stop, if it is safe to brake. In case your speed is too high to brake safely, you may still proceed on continuous amber.
Flashing amber indicates that the traffic lights are out of operation. You must proceed with caution, in this case you must pay attention to the traffic signs. If you are not travelling on a main road, you must give way to the traffic approaching from the right. If you are driving on a major road, the road users travelling on the intersecting road must give way to you. Watch out for road markings and give way signs. Note that if there are no traffic sings, this means that the right-hand rule applies at this junction.
Policeman signals always have priority over the traffic lights and traffic signs. Traffic lights always have priority over the traffic signs. If you see a Stop sign at the junction, but the traffic light is green to you, you may proceed. If you have red traffic light, but the policeman signals that you may proceed, you should do so.
Policeman's signals
If you see a policeman in the middle of the junction and he faces you with his left arm stretched out, this indicates that all traffic coming from the front of behind him must stop. At this time cross traffic has the right to go. If a policeman raises hand up, this indicates that all traffic must stop.
If a police car is following you with flashing amber and blue lights, it means you have to stop at the kerb.
Bus Lane
When you are driving in a city center you will often notice a separate lane marked with ‘Bus’ road marking. Bus lane is assigned for public transport vehicles, moped riders and cyclers. You are allowed to occupy this lane only before making a right turn.
Predictability
Your moves must be predictable to other road users. This is especially important in heavy traffic of a city center where everyone tries to get into correct lane. unexpected maneuvers should be avoided at all means. You should change lanes in advance and if you are in a wrong lane and you notice this too late, you should stay in your lane and proceed according to the lane markings. When changing lanes, always check your mirrors and turn your head for the blind spot. Predictability of your maneuvers is achieved when you signal in good time before making moves. Signaling shows your intentions to other road users and reduces the risk of accident. In heavy traffic show consideration to your fellow drivers. If you see someone blinking to get to your lane, you may slow down to let them do it easier.
If you start signaling that you intend to change your lane, this does not give you any right of way. You should make sure that there is enough gap in the lane where you wish to regroup. Only then you may proceed with your move.