Inside Lane/UK

Posted by Dick Davis on November 14, 2003

In Reply to: Inside Lane/UK posted by James Briggs on November 13, 2003

: : : What is the derivation of U.K. road location phrase "inside lane"?

: : UK drives on the left, so that they pass oncoming vehicles right arm to right arm. If there are two streams of traffic going in the same direction, they are called the inside (left) and outside (right) lanes. If the two are fast flowing they are called a dual carriageway, but in congested areas they are just called 'lanes' or 'streams'.
: : 'Lane' is traditionally a single track.
: : As the left side is the one hugging the kerb/verge then that is called the 'inside lane' because it is inside anything going faster or overtaking.
: : 'Nearside' and 'offside' are alternatives.

: : The expression 'inside track' is different - it means the most avantageous position - it is a racing term most often used of horse-racing, where the horse closest to the rail that delineates the course has the shortest route to the finish.

: : 'Inside lane' and 'inside track' are not synonymous.

: In fact, I believe that the 'inside lane' on US highways is, like a racetrack, up against the central barrier - the very opposite of UK use! I know, because I was nearly involved in an accident because of this difference.
: US friends, am I right?

I agree with you James . . . however since there is a disagreement, would the Oxford English Dictionary be the place to gather "ammunition" [to take out the 'bullbar' person]?