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Tunnels

The general rules of the road and the Road Traffic Acts apply, but specific road safety issues apply when you are approaching, driving through or leaving a tunnel.

Approaching the tunnel

• Check you have enough fuel in your vehicle before entering the tunnel.
• Remove sunglasses,
• Switch on dipped headlights,
• If available tune in to the designated FM radio station as this will let you hear safety instructions during your journey. The station frequency will be displayed on an information sign at the entrance to the tunnel,
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Remember, you're entering a tunnel and tailgating could create an emergency. The recommended minimum safe distance for a car or motorcycle is 50 metres and for all other vehicles 100 metres. Always remember the 'two second rule".
• Be aware there are restrictions on the use of tunnels by Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
  • The maximum permissible height will be sign-posted. You must check this before you enter the tunnel.
  • Wide loads may not be permitted. If you are carrying a wide load you must contact the tunnel operators well in advance to see if the load is allowed.
  • Vehicle size - there may be a ban on the use of the right-hand lane in a tunnel by large goods vehicles or other non-passenger vehicles if the number of axles on the vehicle equals or is more than the figure shown on a regulatory sign provided on the approach road to a tunnel.

For detailed information contact the tunnel operator.

In the tunnel

• Keep in lane and do not overtake.
• You must not drive in the right-hand lane in a tunnel if you are driving a type of vehicle prohibited from using this lane.
• Do not turn or reverse.
• Do not stop, except in case of emergency.
• Obey the speed limits. There are two forms of speed limit signs.
  • a standard speed limit sign applies where there is a fixed speed limit. You must obey the speed limit and remember this is the maximum permitted speed, not the required speed.
  • where the speed limit can vary you will see variable message signs, which are black squares with red circles and figures in white or yellow throughout the tunnel. The speed limit is shown by the figures and will vary according to traffic conditions and road safety considerations. You must obey the speed limit and remember this is the maximum permitted speed, not the required speed. "Always remember the two second rule".
• Keep your distance. The recommended minimum safe distance for a car or motorcycle is 50 metres and for all other vehicles 100 metres.

Stopping

If you are instructed to stop, you should stop and,

• switch on your hazard warning lights,
• keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front,
• switch off your engine,
• check your radio for instructions from the tunnel operator,
• check all electronic signs in the tunnel for information, and
• if necessary, leave the tunnel using the nearest available pedestrian exit.

Breakdown or a crash

If there is a breakdown or a crash in the tunnel, you should:

• switch on your hazard warning lights,
• switch off your engine,
• go to an emergency station and use the emergency phone to tell the tunnel operator,
• check your radio for instructions, and
• check all electronic signs in the tunnel for information.

Fire in your vehicle

If there is smoke or fire in your vehicle, you should:

• switch off your engine,
• leave your vehicle immediately,
• go to an emergency station and use the emergency phone to tell the tunnel operator, and
• leave the tunnel from the nearest available exit.

Fire in another vehicle

If there is smoke or fire in another vehicle, you should:

• if the fire is behind you, drive out of the tunnel, or
• if the fire is ahead of you, turn off your engine, leave the vehicle immediately, and leave the tunnel by the nearest emergency exit.

Leaving the tunnel

• Follow the road signs.
• Keep a safe speed and position on the roadway.