Motorists are being urged to brush up on their knowledge of road signs or risk a £100 fine and three penalty points. The warning comes from highway maintenance firm Instarmac, which has highlighted several lesser-known signs that frequently confuse drivers.
One commonly misunderstood sign is a blue circle with a red border and cross, which indicates a clearway. On such roads, stopping is illegal under any circumstances, including picking up or dropping off passengers. A variant of this sign often appears in urban areas, specifying times when stopping is prohibited.
Another sign that can baffle drivers shows four lines through a crossed circle with the words 'Zone Ends'. Instarmac explains that this sign marks the end of local parking restrictions, meaning drivers can often park for free beyond that point. However, confusion may arise if motorists missed earlier signs indicating the start of the zone.
A circular sign with a plain white centre, rather than any icon, is also frequently misinterpreted. Instarmac reassures drivers that the sign is not incomplete; it means the road ahead is closed to vehicles, and drivers must turn back.
Nick Holmes, Technical Training Manager at Instarmac, emphasised the importance of understanding road signs: 'Knowing and understanding road signs is vital to being a safe driver and limiting the stress experienced by yourself and others.' Failure to comply with traffic signs can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on a driver's licence.
