How to Drive on Motorways — Manchester Guide

Joining a Motorway

Use the slip road to build speed and match the traffic flow on the motorway. Check your mirrors and right blind spot. Signal right. Look for a safe gap in lane one traffic and merge smoothly. Do not stop on the slip road unless traffic ahead has stopped. In Manchester, common joining points include the M60 at Stockport, Sale, and Prestwich, and the M56 at Wythenshawe. Each has different slip road lengths — shorter ones require quicker acceleration.

Lane Discipline

The left lane (lane one) is the default driving lane. Use it unless you are overtaking. Lane two is for overtaking slower traffic in lane one. Lane three (and four where available) is for overtaking traffic in lane two. After overtaking, return to the left lane when it is safe. Never undertake (pass on the left) except in congested traffic when all lanes are moving slowly. Hogging the middle lane is both illegal and a test-day fault.

Smart Motorways in Manchester

The M60 and sections of the M62 around Manchester are smart motorways. Key features include: variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantry signs that are legally enforceable, hard shoulder running where the hard shoulder becomes a live traffic lane during busy periods (indicated by signs), red X signs meaning a lane is closed — you must not drive in a lane showing a red X, and emergency refuge areas (ERAs) spaced along the motorway for breakdowns.

Manchester Motorway Network

• M60 — the Manchester orbital motorway, circling the city. Heavy traffic at Stockport, Stretford, and Prestwich junctions
• M62 — connects Manchester to Liverpool (west) and Leeds (east). Busy at the M60 interchange
• M56 — connects Manchester to Chester and North Wales via Manchester Airport
• M61 — connects Manchester to Bolton and Preston
• M66 — connects Manchester to Bury and Ramsbottom
• M67 — connects Manchester to Hyde and Glossop (becomes A-road at Mottram)

Safety Tips

• Maintain a minimum 2-second following distance (4 seconds in rain)
• Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds and before any lane change
• Plan your exit early — move to lane one well before your junction
• If you miss your exit, continue to the next one. Never reverse or stop on a motorway
• In breakdown, use an ERA or hard shoulder. Turn on hazard lights, exit from the left door, and stand behind the barrier
• Smart motorway speed cameras enforce variable limits — obey gantry signs

Frequently Asked Questions