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Single track road with a passing place near Kinlochewe in Scotland

A single track road is a narrow road that is only of sufficient width to allow the passage of one vehicle. The term is widely used in Scotland, particularly the Highlands, to describe such roads which are provided with passing places at frequent intervals to allow vehicles to travel in both directions without conflict.

Passing places are generally marked with a diamond shaped white sign with the words 'passing place' upon it. New signs tend to be square rather than diamond shaped, as diamond signs are reserved for instructions to tram drivers. On some roads, especially in Argyll and Bute, passing places may be marked with black and white striped posts. Signs remind drivers of slower vehicles to pull over into a passing place to let following vehicles pass, and most drivers oblige.

Vehicles heading towards each other can adjust their speed so as to arrive at a passing place at the same time and pass slowly, avoiding the need for either party to stop. It is customary for drivers to acknowledge each other with a wave, or flash of headlights at night. The system generally works well, and the courtesy that is necessary to make any progress helps to avoid the levels of road rage that are sometimes to be found on busier roads.

Many A class and B class roads in the Highlands are still single track, although some sections are being widened for the sake of faster travel. Work is due to begin in 2007 to upgrade the only remaining single-track trunk road, the A830 between Arisaig and Loch nan Uamh. [1]

• Single track for a similar configuration on railway lines.
• Sunken lane

• Undiscovered Scotland article on driving single track roads.

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