Single track road
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A single track road is a narrow road that is only of sufficient width to allow the passage of one vehicle.
The term is widely used in Scotland, particularly the Highlands, to describe such roads which are provided with passing places at frequent intervals to allow vehicles to travel in both directions without conflict.
Passing places are usually marked with a diamond shaped white sign with the words 'passing place' upon it. Though some sign makers incorrectly use a square sign. On quieter roads, the passing places may still be found to be marked with older black and white striped posts.
Signs remind drivers of slower vehicles to pull over into a passing place to let following vehicles pass, and most drivers oblige.
Vehicles heading towards each other can adjust their speed to as to arrive at a passing place at the same time and pass slowly, avoiding the need for either party to stop.
It is customary for drivers to acknowledge each other with a wave, or flash of headlights at night.
The system generally works very well, and the courtesy that is necessary to make any progress results in a complete absence of road rage that is to be found on busier roads.
Many A class and B class roads in the Highlands are still single track roads, although some sections are being widened. Whilst this widening enables faster travel, some question whether it is a good thing as the character of the road is completely destroyed, and the scar caused by widening projects can take decades to heal. In many cases the old single track road is just abandoned and allowed to fall into decay. No thought seems to be given to converting them to lay-bys, tourist routes or cycle tracks.
Early tramroads
Some early tramroads, such as the Gloucester and Cheltenham Railway were primarily single track with crossing loops at frequent intervals. The crossing loops were arrangement to be in line of sight of one another, so that vehicles in one direction could see if vehicles in the opposing direction were alreay in the single line section.
The single line sections needed to be straight, so the profile of the line tended to be a series of chords rather than a smooth arc.