5PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC
GENERAL
5.1 This section describes the group of signs that prohibit traffic or categories of traffic (including pedestrians) from certain roads. It includes signs that prohibit vehicles because of their weight or size. Except where stated otherwise, the signs may be used only to give effect to a traffic regulation order etc. (direction 7). Signs relating to pedestrian zones will be found in section 11. See Appendix A for sizes of signs and supplementary plates and para 5.44 for the siting of signs.
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2805 Advance direction sign indicating a route advised for goods vehicles
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2003 Advance direction sign indicating a height restriction ahead with an alternative route to the left (Sign on a primary route)
5.2 When width, height, length or weight limit signs are used, it is important that the alternative route is clearly signed not only at the start of the diversion but also at the last place where a vehicle can divert, even though this might not be the preferred diversion route. Signing should be continued at junctions along its entire length, using directional signs including where appropriate "avoiding" or "alternative route for" legends in accordance with Schedule 16, item 32 (see also Chapter 7, paras 3.37 and 3.38). In some cases it might be more appropriate to sign advisory lorry routes using signs to diagrams 2805, 2806 and 2806.1 or by incorporating black lorry route panels on primary route and non-primary route directional signs where permitted (see Schedule 16, item 25).
5.3 Advance warning of certain restrictions may be given by incorporating the prohibitory sign into direction signs or advance direction signs in accordance with Schedule 16, item 31 and as indicated in diagram 2003 (see also Chapter 7). These are not a substitute for the terminal signs that indicate the start of the restriction (see para 5.44). Unless the restriction begins at the junction, either on the main road or on the side road, a distance plate should be included so that drivers can judge whether they can reach a particular property or destination before reaching the restriction. It should be noted that exception plates cannot be included on these signs. The restrictions that may be signed in this way are:
(i) No vehicles (diagram 617 with diagram 618.1 varied to "No vehicles" with or without a distance; exceptions are not permitted)
(ii) No motor vehicles (diagram 619)
(iii) No motor vehicles except solo motor cycles (diagram 619.1)
(iv) No solo motor cycles (diagram 619.2)
(v) Environmental weight limit (diagram 622.1A)
(vi) No horse-drawn vehicles (diagram 622.5)
(x) Width limit (diagram 629 or 629A)
(xi) Length limit (diagram 629.1)
(xii) Height limit (diagram 629.2 or 629.2A)
(xiii) No buses (diagram 952).
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