[OSM-talk] How do we tag passing/slow lanes?

[Paul Hurley]

Andy Robinson (blackadder) wrote:

>simon at mungewell.org wrote:
>  
>
>> <snip>
>>
>>>      
>>>
>>My understanding is (was?) that the lane tag indicated how many lanes
>>there were in each direction, so '1' would indicate a road which was 2
>>lanes, 1 in each direction.
>>
>>The definitive answer is rather blank on the matter:
>>http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php?title=Key:lanes&action=edit
>>
>>    
>>
>
>That needed fixing then - Done. Because when originally conceived it was
>always intended to apply to the number of physical lanes on the way.
>
>Cheers
>
>Andy
>
>  
>
As I'm new to this game, but very impressed by the bredth and depth of 
the documentation for OSM, I'm quite surprised that lanes isn't better 
described.

I assumed it was the number of lanes in each direction, and started 
tagging normal residential roads as lanes=1, then I found two spots 
where there's onyl room for traffic in one direction at a time (over a 
narrow bridge and through an ancient arch or folly).  I was stumped how 
to tag these, but when I saw someone say lanes was the total number of 
lanes on that way (so in both directions for a non one way way) thought 
this was great.

Would it be too forward to suggest a Proposed features/lanes page.  My 
proposal would be that lanes is the total number of lanes on the way, so ;

Two Way residential road with one lane in either direction: lanes=2
One way road: lanes=1
individual carriageway for three lane motorway: lanes=3

With a rationale that this would then clear up confusion, and help with 
recording information such as single lane width restrictions, passing 
places etc.

I then assume that some of the highway tags could then assume a lanes 
value (residential, unclassified, tertiary:  lanes=2)

I'll happily edit the page, but don't want to step on decorum !

Thanks

Paul.

-- 
Paul Hurley	http://www.paulhurley.co.uk/
The knack of flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.
    Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

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