An information sign
Contra-flow bus lane
A blue sign with the general-traffic arrows going one way and a bus going the other marks a contra-flow bus lane - buses travel against the normal flow of traffic here.
01
What it means
Most bus lanes run the same way as you (with-flow). A contra-flow bus lane runs the opposite way, so a bus can appear coming towards you from a direction you don't expect. The sign warns you of that, usually on a one-way street where buses are let through both ways.
The key habit is to look both ways before crossing or pulling out, because a vehicle can legally be coming from the 'wrong' direction.
02
Where you'll see it
One-way streets in towns and cities where buses are allowed to run against the flow, common in London.
03
On your driving test
The examiner wants good observation: on a one-way street with a contra-flow lane, check both directions before you emerge or cross, and don't assume traffic only comes from one side.
Fines and penalties
Driving in the bus lane itself during its hours is a bus-lane contravention - in London typically a £160 PCN, halved if paid early. No licence points.
Often confused with
Quick answers
What does a contra-flow bus lane mean?
Buses run against the normal traffic flow in that lane, so they can come towards you from an unexpected direction. Look both ways before crossing or pulling out.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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