Advice to Motorists Regarding Overtaking Stationary Coaches on Saxon Avenue, Grange Park

Hello,

Northamptonshire Police and partner agencies are aware of concerns raised by motorists regarding difficulties overtaking stationary coaches on Saxon Avenue, Grange Park. We would like to offer clarification, reassurance, and guidance on the law relating to overtaking stationary vehicles in order to support safe driving behaviours in the area.

Understanding the Law

Motorists are reminded that overtaking is governed by the Highway Code (Rules 162–169), which sets out when overtaking is permitted and how it should be done safely. Drivers must only overtake when it is safe, legal, and clearly necessary to do so. The Code makes clear that before overtaking, motorists must ensure:

In addition, Rule 163 states that drivers should give way to oncoming traffic when passing parked vehicles or other obstructions, and should only overtake when there is ample room and visibility to complete the manoeuvre safely. [highwaycode.org.uk]

Stationary Coaches as an Obstruction

A stationary coach is treated in law in the same way as any other large, parked, or temporarily stopped vehicle. Motorists may overtake a stationary vehicle, including coaches, provided that it is safe, legal, and does not put other road users at risk.

This means drivers must:

The responsibility rests with the overtaking driver to ensure the manoeuvre complies with the Road Traffic Act and associated guidance.

Safety Before Convenience

We understand the frustration caused when stationary coaches temporarily delay traffic flow. However, overtaking in an unsafe manner poses a significant risk. National data indicates that risky overtaking is a major cause of road collisions, particularly on single‑carriageway roads. [thewindscr...enco.co.uk]

Motorists should therefore prioritise safety over convenience, exercising patience until the road ahead is fully clear.

Ongoing Engagement

We continue to work with local stakeholders, including transport providers, to minimise disruption where possible. Coaches operating on Saxon Avenue provide vital long-distance transport services for the wider Northampton community. They are permitted to both pick up and drop off passengers, as well as park for a short duration whilsts drivers are changed over to comply with strict European Drivers Hours regulations, and in many cases may be stationary only for short periods.

Northamptonshire Police would like to thank residents and road users for their continued vigilance and cooperation.

Further Information

Guidance on overtaking is publicly available via the Highway Code on GOV.UK.