The Law Blog had an interesting entry on January 26th about this green arrow.
This was taken over from the German Democratic Republic. It permits a driver to turn right if the coast is clear (no pedestrians crossing; give way to those ahead turning left). But it does not oblige you to turn right.
The Highway Code, the official publication with all the British driving rules, is online. Much to my surprise, it says:
bq. A GREEN ARROW may be provided in addition to the full green signal if movement in a certain direction is allowed before or after the full green phase. If the way is clear you may go but only in the direction shown by the arrow. You may do this whatever other lights may be showing. White light signals may be provided for trams.
No picture there, but I found one here:
It’s called a green filter. Did that come from the GDR? Apparently, it’s especially intended for cyclists.
Thanks for this link Margaret – could be extremely useful
Paul
Here in Canada, except in Quebec until recently, where we drive on the right, you can turn right when you are at an any intersection (junction) that has a red light, as long as there’s an opportunity. No special light is used.
I think there was a pilot project in Montreal recently to allow this possibility, but there is a cliche here that Quebec drivers are lunatics so the development raised some eyebrows, at least in Ontario…