Rat running

Use of satellite navigation apps with real-time traffic information can also be used by motorists unfamiliar with an area to route around congested main roads via side streets.

[5] In some places, motorists avoid stopping at a red light by turning onto a side street or into a parking lot to bypass it.

One of the most extensive uses of this strategy is found in Berkeley, California, where dozens of concrete barriers throughout the city block shortcuts, while still allowing cycling.

[6] In Northern Virginia, shortcuts are discouraged by the construction of dead end streets, communities with no outlet, and winding roads designed to confuse, making navigation through the neighborhoods more difficult and time-consuming.

[4] The Netherlands makes extensive use of raising bollards to eliminate through traffic while allowing pedestrians, cyclists, residents and local businesses to get through.

[2] Some US cities (such as St. Louis) make extensive use of mid-block barriers across residential streets, such as rows of planters, curbs, or gates, designed to block the passage of vehicles while simultaneously allowing pedestrians through.

Despite the traffic calming curb extensions , heavy traffic means that the narrow residential street is still appealing to motorists desiring a shortcut.
Japanese road sign directing away from a narrow roadway. Left board says "To Shinjuku , go ahead to Yasukuni-dori Ave.", and the kanji '狭道' written in the yellow rectangle means "narrow street"
Traffic laws may be implemented to prevent rat running. [ citation needed ] Right turns onto the side street shown here are prohibited between 8 am and 8 pm.