Right of way

[Guest John Griffiths]

Whilst holidaying in the French Alps I read a novel which said it was correct to give priority to vehicles coming down a hill (e.g. on a narrow Devon lane). I was always told the opposite!...that a car going up the hill should have priority and that the vehicle coming down should reverse to make way for it. Can anyone clarify which is correct, or in these days of road rage, perhaps it is who has the biggest vehicle, fist or horn!

[Guest brian]

John, one can get very dogmatic about this ,there only one answer use abit of common sence at the time.It really depends on the type of lane , how steep the hill and the type and size of vehicles involved,and of course how big is the other guy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Peter]

This argument started with horses and carts. If you consider that as a horse pushes on the collar around it’s neck and the collar is connected to the cart. If when going down hill the driver would have to apply the breaks to stop the cart catching up the horse. If the driver had to stop, it would be very difficult to back up with all the weight on the cart going up hill in reverse. Ware as it is not so difficult to reverse down the hill holding the cart on the breaks, So as most road laws stem from good old common sense from years gone by, a horse and cart going up hill gives way to a horse and cart coming down. or as Brian says eye up the other bloke first. Best Regards Peter

[Guest John Griffiths]

Very interesting Peter. That does make sense and shows how procedures develop. Thank you

[Guest PeteC]

Ever tried reversing a trailer or caravan uphill???????? Once the over run brake has come on - as soon as you stop, if it isnt alreadt on when coming down hill; you have to be a skilled and experienced driver to be able to reverse up a hill Where as starting again on a hill is much easier As an experienced caravaner with some 25 years towing including living in amongst the steepest & longest hills in the country - we used to live at the top of a 2 mile long 1/10 (10%)