This code list is used in association with the Highway attribute which is present within the Transport Link Feature Type. For Transport Links that represent road or path features, this value describes the type of road or path represented e.g. 'Motorway', 'Footway', 'Trunk_primary'.
Label
Definition
motorway
A restricted access major divided highway, normally with 2 or more running lanes plus emergency hard shoulder.
trunk
The most important roads in a country's system that aren't motorways. Not necessarily a divided highway.
primary
The next most important roads in a country's system. Often link larger towns.
secondary
The next most important roads in a country's system. Often link towns.
tertiary
The next most important roads in a country's system. Often link smaller towns and villages.
unclassified
The least important through roads in a country's system i.e. minor roads of a lower classification than tertiary, but which serve a purpose other than access to properties. Often link villages and hamlets. The word 'unclassified' is a historical artefact of the UK road system and does not mean that the classification is unknown.
residential
Roads which serve as an access to housing without the function of connecting settlements. Often lined with housing.
motorway_link
The link roads (sliproads/ramps) leading to/from a motorway from/to a motorway or lower class highway. Normally with the same motorway restrictions.
trunk_link
The link roads (sliproads/ramps) leading to/from a trunk road from/to a trunk road or lower class highway.
primary_link
The link roads (sliproads/ramps) leading to/from a primary road from/to a primary road or lower class highway.
secondary_link
The link roads (sliproads/ramps) leading to/from a secondary road from/to a secondary road or lower class highway.
tertiary_link
The link roads (sliproads/ramps) leading to/from a tertiary road from/to a tertiary road or lower class highway.
living_street
For living streets which are residential streets where pedestrians have legal priority over cars. Speeds are kept very low and where children are allowed to play on the street.
service
For access roads or within an industrial estate, camp site, business park, car park, alleys etc.
pedestrian
For roads used mainly/exclusively for pedestrians in shopping and some residential areas which may allow access by motorised vehicles only for very limited periods of the day. To create a 'square' or 'plaza' create a closed way and tag as pedestrian.
track
Roads for mostly agricultural or forestry uses.
bus_guideway
A busway where the vehicle guided by the way (though not a railway) and is not suitable for other traffic.
escape
For runaway truck ramps, runaway truck lanes, emergency escape ramps, or truck arrester beds. It enables vehicles with braking failure to safely stop.
raceway
A course or track for (motor) racing
road
A road/way/street/motorway/etc. of unknown type. It can stand for anything ranging from a footpath to a motorway.
busway
A dedicated roadway for bus rapid transit systems.
footway
For designated footpaths mainly/exclusively for pedestrians. This includes walking tracks and gravel paths.
bridleway
For horse riders. Pedestrians are usually also permitted, cyclists may be permitted depending on local rules/laws. Motor vehicles are forbidden.
steps
Indication of whether there are steps.
corridor
For a hallway inside of a building.
path
A non-specific path.
via_ferrata
A via ferrata is a route equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges in order to increase ease and security for climbers.
cycleway
For designated cycleways.
proposed
For planned roads
construction
For roads under construction.
bus_stop
A small bus stop where passengers wait.
crossing
A crosswalk. Pedestrians can cross a street here; e.g. zebra crossing.
elevator
An elevator or lift, used to travel vertically, providing passenger and freight access between pathways at different floor levels.
emergency_bay
An area beside a highway where you can safely stop your car in case of breakdown or emergency.
give_way
A give way or Yield sign
milestone
Highway location marker
mini_roundabout
Similar to roundabouts, but at the center there is either a painted circle or a fully traversable island.
motorway_junction
Indicates a junction. ref=* should be set to the exit number or junction identifier. Some roads – e.g., the A14 – also carry junction numbers, so the tag may be encountered elsewhere despite its name
passing_place
The location of a passing space.
platform
A platform at a bus stop or station.
rest_area
Place where drivers can leave the road to rest, but not refuel.
services
A service station to get food and eat something, often found at motorways.
speed_camera
A fixed road-side or overhead speed camera.
stop
A stop sign.
street_lamp
A street light, lamppost, street lamp, light standard, or lamp standard is a raised source of light on the edge of a road, which is turned on or lit at a certain time every night.
toll_gantry
A toll gantry is a gantry suspended over a way, usually a motorway, as part of a system of electronic toll collection.
traffic_mirror
Mirror that reflects the traffic on one road when direct view is blocked.
traffic_signals
Lights that control the traffic
trailhead
Designated place to start on a trail or route
turning_circle
A turning circle is a rounded, widened area usually, but not necessarily, at the end of a road to facilitate easier turning of a vehicle. Also known as a cul de sac.
turning_loop
A widened area of a highway with a non-traversable island for turning around, often circular and at the end of a road.