TO many drivers, Britain’s roads can feel unnecessarily complex and confusing, often narrow and, at times, highly stressful to navigate.
This can be due to old layouts, confusing junctions like the Hanger Lane Gyratory, Smart Motorways with dynamic speed limits, complex roundabouts and winding rural roads.
Think you know all the road signs? These tricky ones might leave you guessing![/caption]
That doesn’t even take into account the multitude of traffic signs that are frequently misunderstood or difficult to remember – despite their importance.
In fact, understanding the meaning of these signs can be vital – especially for those preparing for their driving test.
Here are some of the most commonly misunderstood road signs found across the country – how many of them do you know with confidence?
No Vehicles
No Vehicles[/caption]
A red circle with nothing inside indicates that no vehicles are allowed on that road at all, except for bicycles being pushed.
According to experts at RevMonkeyUK: “It’s one of the most misunderstood signs on British roads. Most people assume it’s incomplete or just decorative, but it marks a strict ‘no vehicles’ zone.
“That includes everything from cars and motorbikes to mopeds and electric scooters. So much so that often the highways agency has to amend the sign to include text to avoid confusion.”
With-Flow Bus and Cycle Lane
With-Flow Bus and Cycle Lane[/caption]
This blue and white sign indicates a lane reserved exclusively for buses and cyclists.
Drivers should also check for any timings displayed on the sign; if none are specified, the restriction applies at all times.
A Quayside or Riverbank
A Quayside or Riverbank[/caption]
A red triangle with a car falling into water warns drivers of a nearby quayside or riverbank where the road may end abruptly.
No Stopping
No Stopping[/caption]
A confusing one for many, this sign, with a blue background with a red outline and an ‘X’ through the centre indicates that vehicles must not stop under any circumstances – including dropping off or picking up passengers or goods.
No Waiting
No Waiting[/caption]
Similar to the No Stopping sign but with a single red line through the circle.
This means drivers can stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers, but cannot wait for long.
Level Crossing No Barrier
A red cross warns of a railway crossing without barriers or lights, and urges drivers to proceed with extreme caution and only cross when it is safe.
Vehicles May Pass on Either Side
Vehicles May Pass on Either Side[/caption]
The positioning of the arrows on this sign can sometimes cause confusion.
However, this blue circular sign, featuring two white arrows pointing downwards in opposite directions, simply indicates that vehicles are allowed to pass on either side to reach the same destination.
