Just got back from visiting the missus and kids who are having a couple of days break out in Angelsey.

Young Mr Ree jnr. drove out there in his car on his L plates, and he mentioned the fact that L drivers amongst other road users are not allowed on a section of the A55 from just before Colwyn Bay to way beyond.

Checked it out on the way back, and it's true. Must have passed the 'motorway style' sign hunderds of times, and it's never registered tbqh.

Coming the other way (east bound) the restrictions sign is just before Conway.

Anyone know why this is so, as it's most definately NOT a motorway?

Never come across such restrictions on an A road before. :confused:

I've TOLD the missus she must drive for that section on the way back, as good old Heddlu will NOT allow excuses of ignorance, EVER.

3 points and £60 fine if caught, and I presume the missus would receive similar for allowing him to drive it too! :eek:

Be warned any other learners out there using this otherwise brilliant road.

Edited 27 August, 200916 yr by Mr Ree

Does this shed any light on it mate

A55 road - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It is a non motorway special road in that section ..... I am not trying to bluff that I know why / what that means, but it does mean restrictions similar to motorway restrictions are in force on that section.

Does this shed any light on it mate

A55 road - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It is a non motorway special road in that section ..... I am not trying to bluff that I know why / what that means, but it does mean restrictions similar to motorway restrictions are in force on that section.

Interesting read that Fluff'.

I'd never heard of 'special roads' before. Clicked on the 'special road' link, and it seems the A55 if is one of only a couple of others in the UK.

:

Although the majority of special roads in the UK are also motorways, there are a number of special roads that are not motorways. Quite a number of these are toll bridges, and several others are former motorways which have since been downgraded. In order to charge a toll on a newly built road, special road regulations are usually necessary.

In addition, a small number of non-motorway special roads are relatively newly built dual-carriageway roads, such as the A1 expressway east of Edinburgh and parts of the A720 Edinburgh bypass, or parts of the A55 in North Wales.

And this must be the reason why then I presume: :confused:

It may be the case that, with high-profile campaigns against the construction of the M3 motorway at Twyford Down, in order to reduce the possibility of delays and cost due to protests, the Government opted to build the roads as a dual carriageway special road rather than as a motorway, even though many of the regulations are similar.

Was there a protest when this section was before the planning committee then? P'raps some of our Welsh members might know?

Wonder if anyone has actually been nicked for disobeying the restrictions? They are easy to miss, as you really aren't expecting them.

In this case, it's all about EU money. To get the money it had to be an expressway. Motorways and special roads are both expressways.

In this case, it's all about EU money. To get the money it had to be an expressway. Motorways and special roads are both expressways.

How did you find that out then?

Thanks anyway. Mystery solved then it seems.

I'd still be interested to know if any learners or moped riders etc. have been nicked on it.

Very easy to drive on without realising you're on a 'restricted special' road.