Richard Fanders, a driving instructor from Conquer Driving, has highlighted a common mistake drivers make about dual carriageways: confusing them with motorways based on the number of lanes. In a YouTube video, he explained that the defining feature of a dual carriageway is a central reservation separating two carriageways, one for each direction, not the number of lanes.
The common dual carriageway mistake
Fanders noted it is "common" to encounter the belief that dual carriageways have two lanes while motorways have three or more, but this is incorrect. He clarified: "A motorway is a road with motorway status - and how many lanes are in each carriageway does not determine whether or not that road gets motorway status."
He added: "'Dual' means two but 'carriageway' does not mean lane and I think that's where some people can get this wrong."
What defines a dual carriageway in the UK?
The true marker of a dual carriageway is the presence of a central reservation separating two carriageways, with one allocated for each direction of travel. The number of lanes isn't the determining factor, and each direction can feature two or more lanes.
Fanders explained: "In Great Britain, if they are travelling in opposing directions they will be passing on the left. This road is a dual carriageway. We have one carriageway on the left travelling in one direction and another carriageway on the right travelling in the other direction and each carriageway is separated by a central reservation."
He continued: "This can be a barrier, a kerb or just a piece of grass. This is what makes it two carriageways or a dual carriageway - how many lanes are in each carriageway is not relevant. There can be one lane in each carriageway, or there can be many lanes in each carriageway. There is no limit to how many lanes can be in each carriageway."
Motorway vs. dual carriageway
Fanders outlined the crucial distinction between dual carriageways and motorways, which centres on access restrictions and permitted vehicle types. Dual carriageways accommodate a wider variety of vehicles, including cyclists and slower-moving traffic, while motorways enforce more stringent rules regarding which vehicles can use them.
Motorways feature blue signage, whereas dual carriageways generally use green signs. In the comments section, fellow YouTube users shared their views. One person said: "Useful stuff, thanks. I think I knew all the points raised, but I've been driving for many years now." Another said: "Thank you for clearing this up for people. I was once on a single lane dual carriageway country road and got stuck behind someone who was only going 60mph when they should've been going at 70mph." A third added: "Brilliant explanation. Thank you."
