Markings for separating traffic (hatched markings)
Hatched markings can also be used for separating traffic travelling in opposite directions (in what are called central median islands).
If you see these markings on a road, you must not enter the area they cover.
A 2-plus-1 road consists of two lanes in one direction of travel and one lane in the other direction. The two-lane section allows for safe overtaking and alternates with a one-lane section roughly every 2 kilometres.
There may be a safety barrier in the centre of the road which separates the two directions of traffic and prevents drivers from overtaking in the one-lane section. If vehicles need to turn right, they can do so at junctions.
In other cases, drivers who need to turn right or turn around may first turn left onto a minor road and perform a U-turn in the area provided for that purpose. They can then resume their journey as originally intended.
A form of 2-plus-1 road already exists on some climbing lanes on national primary roads – the uphill stretch is two lanes and the downhill stretch is just one.