UK Road users: What are 'A' roads and can the public walk on them?

Question

Ive got directions to this place i need to go and it says i need to go on a road with 'A' at its beginning to get there?

Is this a pedestrianised area or is it a motorway?

Cheers

Answer 1

A road is a general road, not a motorway . . .

Not all A roads have a footpath but you can walk UNLESS there are signs saying NOT TO walk.
If it's an M road, it's a motorway so NO WALKING.

If walking on an A Road, walk on RIGHT HAND side of road so you are on the side walking towards traffic coming so you see it approach

Answer 2

Any road that begins with an "M" and then a number, e.g. "M4" is a motorway, or as an American would call it, a freeway. You are not allowed to walk or pushbike on them.

Any road that begins with an "A" and then a number (e.g. A5489) is an A-road, and is therefore a high quality road. You can walk down them, and nearly all have pavements (sidewalks).

Any road that begins with a "B" and then a number (e.g. B564) is a B-road. These are lower quality than A-roads, and you can walk on them. Most have pavements.

There are plenty of other smaller roads, often residential or single-track country roads. You can also walk down these. Residential roads always have pavements, but country roads often don't. These roads are referred to by name, e.g. "Southfield Hill" or "Worrall Lane" or "Brocks Road"

Answer 3

A stands for arterial and is a road it may or may not have footpaths but is not a motorway these use the prefix M

Answer 4

A roads are main roads and yes you can walk them but be visible