Thursday 1 December 2011

RIGHT TURN FROM LEFT ONLY!

This another of Melbourne's vintage W Class trams (see my previous post), in front of the Old Magistrate's Court on La Trobe St. The cryptic sign on the upper left "RIGHT TURN FROM LEFT ONLY" perplexes all except Melbourne's drivers.

This turn is called a "box turn" or "hook turn" and its explanation can be found here. It is mainly used to facilitate the through traffic of trams in the middle of the road (do remember that in Australia we drive on the left side of road!). Box turns are mainly found in City centre intersections.

This post is part of the "Sign, Signs" meme.

9 comments:

  1. The box turn must confuse many visitors to Melbourne but it really works quite well. Love those W Class trams. Hope the rattle and roll for many years to come.

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  2. I'm originally from Sydney but now living in Melbourne! The few times I have been in a car negotiating this, I still feel slightly confused! But yes! It seems to work! Lovely streetscape view!

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  3. I will need to study that one a little more - it looks quite confusing at first glance!
    Love the old trams.

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  4. this brought back memories of the first time I drove in London
    my hands are shaking again

    the tram is beautiful

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  5. That is interesting, I've not seen that before and it would certainly confuse me. I wish we had more public transportation where I live, that tram looks nice.

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  6. Love those old tramways. They had a class the modern ones just don't have

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  7. Neat old tram but I am too confused by the turning sign - will take taxis!

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  8. When I was in Melb I spent a lot of time on those trams. Don't think I would want to try driving with those hook turns!

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  9. Hits the emotional centre, once again.

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