Traffic Signs Manual/Chapter 3/2008/4

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2004759Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 (2008) — 4. COMPULSORY AND PROHIBITED MOVEMENTS


4COMPULSORY AND PROHIBITED MOVEMENTS

GENERAL

4.1 The signs in this section generally give instructions regarding manoeuvres that must or must not be made. Positive signs tell drivers what must be done; prohibitory signs indicate a forbidden manoeuvre. They cover both junctions and the sections of road between junctions.


606 Vehicular traffic must proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow

May be used with diagram 515, 515.1A, 515.2, 607, 608, 954, 954.2, 954.3, 954.4, 954.6 or 954.7 The arrow may point to the left, right or straight ahead.



607 One way traffic

May be used only in combination with diagram 606 or 609


609 Vehicular traffic must turn ahead in the direction indicated by the arrow

May be used with diagram 607, 608, 954, 954.2, 954.3 or 954.4. The arrow may point to the right


608 Dual carrigeway

May be used only in combination with diagram 501, 601.1,602, 606, 609 or 610

LIMITED MOVEMENTS THROUGH JUNCTIONS

4.2 The sign to diagram 606 is used to indicate the only route that may lawfully be taken through a junction. It may point horizontally to the left or to the right, or vertically upwards. The sign to diagram 609 is an advance sign indicating a compulsory left or right turn. The signs to diagrams 612 and 613 indicate "no right turn" and "no left turn" respectively. The choice of sign or signs for a particular junction will depend on the road layout, the permitted movements and whether there are traffic signals. The following paragraphs and figures 4-1 to 4-8 cover various situations. See paras 4.16 to 4.18 for the siting of these signs and 4.14 and 4.15 for the use of supplementary plates to indicate exceptions.

4.3 At an unsignalled junction where a side road forms a T-junction with a one-way road (see figure 4-1) and traffic is required to turn in one direction only from the side road, a sign to diagram 606 with a supplementary plate to diagram 607 (One way) should be used. These signs are placed opposite the side road. The advance sign to diagram 609 may be used in the minor road, together with the "One way" plate. Where the main road is a dual carriageway without a gap in the central reservation (see figure 4-2) a traffic regulation order is not required (see direction 7(3)). A sign to diagram 606 pointing to the left is used with a supplementary plate to diagram 608 (Dual carriageway). These signs are placed on the central reservation opposite the side road. Again, the advance sign to diagram 609 may be used, this time with the "Dual carriageway" plate. Where the dual carriageway has a gap in the central reservation and the right turn is prohibited, "no entry" signs to diagram 616 should be erected on each side of the gap. The sign to diagram 606 with the "Dual carriageway" plate should be located to the left of the gap.

Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2

4.4 Signs to diagrams 606, 608 and 609 are not required where traffic joins a dual carriageway via a slip road and an acceleration lane, and the Give Way line is replaced by the marking to diagram 1010 (see figure 10-1 in Chapter 5). However, advance signs to diagram 609 and 608 might be helpful where it is not apparent to drivers that they are on a slip road, e.g. a former main road through a village joining a by-pass. Where a traffic merge warning sign is provided on the slip road (see section 2 in Chapter 4), this should be located in advance of the sign to diagram 609.



612 No right turn


613 No left turn

These signs may be used with diagram 954, 954.2, 954.3, 954.4, 954.5, 954.6 or 954.7


4.5 At an unsignalled junction where a side road forms a T-junction with a two-way road (see figure 4-3) and traffic is required to turn in one direction only, the use of a sign to diagram 606, even without a "One way" plate, could be misleading as drivers might think they are turning into a one-way road. A sign to diagram 612 or 613 should therefore be used at the junction, indicating the prohibited turn. The road marking to diagram 1036.1 (TURN LEFT) or 1037.1 (TURN RIGHT) may be used to supplement the upright sign (see para 13.6 in Chapter 5). If a sign to diagram 609 is used in advance of the junction, it should be used without a supplementary plate. Where a map-type sign is provided in the side road, this should incorporate the "no right turn" or "no left turn" sign. Where the side road is one way and the main road is a single carriageway with two-way traffic, a warning sign to diagram 522 (two-way traffic ) may be provided (see Chapter 4, para 5.4). This should be mounted above the "no right turn" or "no left turn" sign.


Figure 4.3


4.6 Where a major road at a crossroads is one way, the use of signs to diagrams 606 and 609 (see para 4.3) is not appropriate, as traffic can normally proceed ahead from the side road. In this situation, a "no right turn" sign to diagram 612 or a "no left turn" sign to diagram 613 should be used as appropriate. "One-way traffic" signs to diagram 652 should be provided in the major road within 50 m of the junction (see para 4.37).

4.7 Where traffic is prohibited from turning into a side road at an unsignalled T-junction (see figure 4-4), a sign to diagram 612 or 613 as appropriate should be provided at the junction. A map-type advance direction sign, if provided, should indicate the prohibited turn by incorporating a diagram 612 or 613 roundel. This sign could be of the type shown in diagram 2010.1, 2010.2, 2123 or 2124, each showing an alternative route. The road marking to diagram 1036.2 (AHEAD ONLY) may be used to supplement the upright signs. Where the turn into the side road is prohibited because it is a one-way road controlled by "no entry" signs, it might not be necessary to provide signs to diagram 612 or 613. Situations where the "no right turn" and "no left turn" signs might be omitted are where the side road is narrow and of minor importance or where the "no entry" signs can be clearly seen from the main road when approaching the junction. Any map-type advance direction sign should incorporate the "no entry" roundel to diagram 616.



Figure 4.4

4.8 If traffic has to turn left or right at an unsignalled T-junction because the ahead manoeuvre is prohibited (see figure 4-5), a sign to diagram 609 may be used together with the road marking to diagram 1036.1 or 1037.1 as appropriate. It is not appropriate to provide a sign to diagram 606 pointing to the left or to the right. A plate to diagram 607 should be used with the sign only where traffic is turning into a one-way road. Any map-type advance direction sign should incorporate the appropriate regulatory roundel (e.g. "no entry" or "no vehicles").

2123 Route avoiding prohibited turn on a non-primary route
(2010.1 for a primary route)
2124 Route avoiding prohibited turn on a non-primary route
(2010.2 for a primary route)

4.9 Where the junction is a priority crossroads controlled by STOP or GIVE WAY signs, any prohibited turn should be indicated by signs to diagram 612 or 613 located at the junction. The diagram 612 or 613 roundel should be incorporated in any map-type advance direction signs that are provided. Where the route through the junction is ahead only (see figure 4-6), either a sign to diagram 606 pointing vertically upwards or both signs to diagrams 612 and 613 should be used. The sign to diagram 606 is normally used only at traffic signals and on one-way roads. The road marking to diagram 1036.2 (AHEAD ONLY) may supplement the uprightsigns.


Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6

818.2 Indication of restriction ahead

The legend may be varied as appropriate (see Appendix B in respect of distance). An arrow may be added, pointing horizontally to the left or to the right

4.10 If the ahead manoeuvre is prohibited at a crossroads (e.g. the road opposite is a one-way road controlled by "no entry" signs) and both left and right turns are permitted, the only upright signs that can be provided on the approach to the junction to indicate the prohibition are a map-type advance direction sign that incorporates the "no entry" roundel (or other regulatory roundel as appropriate) and an informatory sign to diagram 818.2. Directional arrows to diagram 1038 may be provided in the carriageway as appropriate. Where the only route through the junction is to the left or to the right, a sign to diagram 609 may be used at the junction, as shown in figure 4-7, together with the road marking to diagram 1036.1 or 1037.1 as appropriate. A plate to diagram 607 should be used with the sign only where traffic is turning into a one-way road. It is not appropriate to use a sign to diagram 606 pointing to the left or to the right at a crossroads (except where these are signal controlled, see paras 4.11 and 4.12). If the ahead manoeuvre is prohibited for only part of the day (e.g. a pedestrian zone) and either the left or right turn is prohibited, a sign to diagram 612 or 613 should be provided in place of the sign to diagram 609 (see figure 4-8). In this case the road markings to diagram 1036.1 or 1037.1 should not be provided.

4.11 At junctions controlled by traffic signals, the signs to diagram 606, 612 and 613 with a diameter of 300 mm may be mounted on the primary and secondary signals. They must be internally illuminated by day and by night. Unlike at uncontrolled junctions it is not appropriate to use a sign to diagram 609 at the junction itself as described in paras 4.8 and 4.10. However, if appropriate, a sign to diagram 609 may be erected on the approach to the junction.

Figure 4-7 Figure 4-8

4.12 The "turn left" and "turn right" signs to diagram 606 should be mounted on the left or the right of the signal head respectively. The "ahead only" sign should be mounted on the carriageway side of the signal. The "no left turn" and "no right turn" signs should be mounted on the left or the right of the signal head respectively. Alternatively the signs may be mounted immediately below the green aspect. Where only one manoeuvre is permitted, the signal head should include a green arrow in place of a full green lens, to indicate the direction in which vehicles must proceed. Where both left and right turns are prohibited, a sign to diagram 606 pointing upwards should be used rather than both signs to diagrams 612 and 613. As at priority junctions, the signs at signal-controlled junctions may be supplemented by road markings to diagram 1036.1, 1036.2, 1037.1 or 1038 (see Chapter 5). Where appropriate, a sign to diagram 818.2 or a map-type sign incorporating regulatory roundels may be used on the approach to the junction.

4.13 Where there is a left turn filter slip road immediately in advance of traffic signals but not controlled by them, any "no left turn" sign relating to the signals should not be sited with the primary signal head unless this is at least 10 m beyond the plain-faced bollard at the dividing nose. Where the distance is less, the sign should be mounted only on the secondary signal head.

SUPPLEMENTARY EXCEPTION PLATES

4.14 A traffic regulation order restricting the movement of vehicles through a junction may provide exceptions for buses, cycles and taxis. In such cases the signs to diagrams 606, 609, 612 and 613 may be used with a supplementary plate excepting buses, local buses, cycles and taxis as appropriate. Exception plates to diagrams 954, 954.2, 954.3 and 954.4 are rectangular; their appropriate sizes are specified in Appendix A. Exception plates to diagrams 954.5, 954.6 and 954.7 are circular with a diameter of 300 mm for use with signs mounted on traffic signal heads and must be internally illuminated by day and by night.

4.15 Supplementary plates to diagrams 607 (One way) and 608 (Dual carriageway) should not be used with signs that have exception plates as this could cause confusion and might be hazardous.

954 buses excluded from prohibition 954.2 buses excluded from prohibition
954.3 buses excluded from prohibition

The word "local" may be added before "buses". "buses and cycles" may be varied to "buses, taxis and cycles", "buses, taxis & cycles" or "buses and taxis"

954.4 Cycles excluded from prohibition

954.5 Buses excluded from prohibition

"buses" may be varied to "cycles"

954.6 Buses and cycles excluded from prohibition

"buses & cycles" may be varied to "local buses" or "buses & taxis"

954.7 Buses, taxis and cycles excluded from prohibition

"buses, taxis & cycles" may be varied to "local buses & cycles" or "local buses & taxis."

These signs may be used only in combination with regulatory signs mounted on traffic signal heads

SITING OF SIGNS AT JUNCTIONS

4.16 Where a sign to diagram 606 pointing to the left or to the right is required, it is always sited opposite the junction or on the central reservation of a dual carriageway road (see figures 4-1 and 4-2), unless it is mounted on a traffic signal head. When pointing upwards, the sign to diagram 606 is sited immediately before the junction, not in advance and not on the far side of the junction (except when mounted on a secondary signal head).

4.17 A sign to diagram 609 is usually mounted in advance of a junction at a distance of approximately 50m. This distance might need to be varied if another junction intervenes or where there are other constraints. In one-way roads that are wide enough for two lanes of traffic, the sign should be sited on both sides of the road. Where the ahead manoeuvre is prohibited and traffic can either turn left only or right only (see paras 4.8 and 4.10), the sign should be sited immediately before the junction on the left hand side (see figure 4-7) and may be duplicated on the right hand side of a one-way road or on a central refuge in a two-way road.

4.18 A prohibited turn sign to diagram 612 or 613 is always sited immediately before the junction on the left hand side. Where there are two or more approach lanes and a "no right turn" sign is likely to be obscured by vehicles in the near side lane, the sign should be duplicated either on the right hand side of the road or on any central refuge. There might be other situations where it would be helpful to duplicate either the "no right turn" or "no left turn" sign, e.g. where the near side lane is reserved for buses and the left turn is prohibited. On dual carriageways, signs should normally be mounted on both the left hand side and the central reservation. At a signal-controlled junction the sign should be mounted on the primary and secondary signal heads.

ROUNDABOUTS

4.19 The sign to diagram 606 pointing to the left may be used without a traffic regulation order on central islands of roundabouts, where it is normally accompanied by the deviation of route sign to diagram 515 (see Chapter 4, paras 3.12 to 3.22). On very small roundabouts, other than mini-roundabouts, the sign may be mounted in a traffic bollard, in which case it will normally have a diameter of 270mm.

611.1 Mini-roundabout

May be used only in conjunction with diagram 1003.4 and with either diagram 1003.3, or with diagrams 1003 and 602 together. It may also be used with diagram 1023

4.20 A sign to diagram 611.1 is used at mini-roundabouts and requires that vehicles entering a junction marked with diagram 1003.4 (see Chapter 5, paras 8.10 to 8.17) must give priority to vehicles from the right at the transverse broken line to diagram 1003.3, (see also para 4.23). If the transverse line is temporarily not visible, e.g. because of road works, priority must be given to traffic from the right at the road junction. The provision of this sign does not require a traffic regulation order. "Turn left" signs to diagram 606 are not used at mini-roundabouts.

4.21 The sign to diagram 611.1 should be placed on each approach to a mini-roundabout junction, in the correct orientation as shown in the diagram, at a distance of approximately 1.5 m before the transverse line. This might have to be increased if the sign would not otherwise be clearly visible, but to no more than 12 m. The sign may be duplicated on a traffic island in the middle of the road. To avoid misleading drivers, care should be taken when siting signs at a double mini-roundabout to ensure that the signs for each roundabout are not too close to each other. Advance warning of the roundabout may be given by the sign to diagram 510 (see para 2.16 in Chapter 4) or by an advance direction sign to diagram 2024, 2119 or 2120.

4.22 Three sizes of the sign to diagram 611.1 are prescribed (see Appendix A). As mini-roundabouts are only recommended for roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less, the size normally used is 600 mm diameter. Larger sizes might be needed on wide approaches.

4.23 Sometimes adequate deflection to the left cannot be provided at the entry to a three-armed mini-roundabout (see Chapter 5, figure 8-3). Drivers entering the roundabout at relatively high speeds then frequently disregard the standard advisory Give Way line (diagram 1003.3). Provided that there is no side road entering from the left, the GIVE WAY sign to diagram 602 may be mounted above the mini-roundabout sign on this approach. The transverse marking to diagram 1003 and the triangular marking to diagram 1023 must then also be used (see Chapter 5, para 8.17). The GIVE WAY sign should not be used where a road enters from the left of the approach in question, on the stem of a T-junction or on any arm of a four-way junction, as experience has shown that drivers can be confused into believing they have to give way to traffic approaching from the left.

KEEP LEFT, KEEP RIGHT, PASS EITHER SIDE

610 Vehicles must pass one the side indicated

May be used with diagram 608. The arrow may point downwards to the right

4.24 The "keep left" sign to diagram 610 may be erected without an order. It is used at traffic islands, refuges and on the central reservations of dual carriageway roads. At the start of a dual carriageway, it may be accompanied by the plate to diagram 608 (Dual carriageway). It is also used extensively at road works to indicate the required movement of vehicles past the works area (see Chapter 8).

4.25 The "keep left" sign is not normally used at the exit from roundabouts, as circulating traffic necessarily passes to the right of the sign. A plain-faced bollard would generally be used in this situation, but might not be necessary where direction signs have been provided. However, where there is only a narrow refuge on the roundabout exit, and not a triangular splitter island, the "keep left" sign may be used. The sign should be used at the recommencement of a central reservation following a gap, as traffic turns right in front of the sign without actually passing it.

4.26 The sign may be varied to indicate "keep right"; this is sometimes used in permanent situations such as traffic calming schemes and also in association with road works.

611 Pass either side

4.27 The "pass either side" sign to diagram 611 is for use on traffic islands, usually situated in one-way roads, where drivers passing either side of the sign reach the same destination immediately beyond. It must not be used in situations where drivers would become committed to different destinations once they had passed the sign. In this case, a plain-faced bollard should normally be provided, although it might not be required where direction signs have been erected on the traffic island.

4.28 The sizes of 270 and 300 mm for signs to diagrams 610 and 611 are intended for use in bollards, although some bollards will accommodate larger sizes. Sizes of 450 mm and above are intended for use at higher level or for free-standing signs at road works (see Appendix A). Where a sign is mounted in a bollard, especially where the speed limit is greater than 30 mph, a larger post-mounted sign may also be provided at the same location to give greater emphasis.

615 Priority must be given to vehicles from the opposite direction

May be used only in combination with diagram 615.1 or 645 and only in conjunction with diagram 811. May be used with diagram 1003, 1023, 1043 or 1044

615.1 Give way to oncoming vehicles

May be used only in combination with diagram 615. The word "for" and a distance may be added (see Appendix B)

PRIORITY SIGNS

4.29 The sign to diagram 615 indicates that drivers must give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction on a narrow length of road. It should be used only when vehicles at each end of the priority section are clearly visible to each other and speeds are not high. The sign must not be displayed to traffic approaching from both directions. It must never be used upside down in an attempt to imply reversed priority. The sign must always be accompanied by the supplementary plate to diagram 615.1 (Give way to oncoming vehicles) at the start of the priority section.


4.30 The sign to diagram 811, together with the plate to diagram 811.1 (Priority over oncoming vehicles) must be mounted to face traffic approaching from the other direction. As with diagram 615 above, this sign must never be used upside down in an attempt to imply reversed priority.

4.31 Unless the limits of the priority section are obvious, e.g. through the arch of a bridge, the plates to diagram 615.1 and 811.1 should be varied to include the distance over which the priority applies, as shown on working drawings P 615.1 and P 811.1 (see para 1.9). Where the distance is indicated, signs to diagram 615 and 811 as appropriate, each with an "End" plate to diagram 645, should be located at the termination of the priority section.

811 Traffic has priority over vehicles from the opposite direction

May be used only in combination with diagram 645 or 811.1. May be used only in conjunction with diagram 615. May be used with diagram 1043 or 1044

811.1 Priority over oncoming vehicles

May be used only in combination with diagram 811. The word "for" and a distance may be added (see Appendix B)

4.32 Where a priority system is used on a gradient steeper than about 2.5 %, the sign to diagram 615 should be mounted to face descending traffic. Where the gradient is less and the road narrows on one side only, the sign to diagram 615 should be mounted to face traffic approaching on that side of the road. In other cases the sign should be erected to face traffic which tends to give way more readily.

4.33 To give greater emphasis to the sign to diagram 615, the Give Way line and triangle to diagrams 1003 and 1023 may be used (see Chapter 5, para 3.24), but not the upright sign to diagram 602. When used in conjunction with a Give Way line, the sign should normally be sited about 1.5 m before the marking.

4.34 Where the width of the priority section is less than 4.5 m at its narrowest point, a yellow box to diagram 1043 or 1044 may be used to prevent vehicles from queuing back into the section and obstructing the flow from the opposite direction (see Chapter 5, para 12.13). This is appropriate only where queues are likely to form, for example near a junction, beyond the priority section.

ONE-WAY ROADS

4.35 The "one-way traffic" sign to diagram 652 may be used only to indicate the effect of a traffic regulation order which requires vehicles to proceed in one direction only. It should not be used to sign traffic along one carriageway of a dual carriageway road. However, where a rural dual carriageway comprises two one-way roads (i.e. where there is non-highway land between the two carriageways) each carriageway should be subject to a one-way traffic order and signs to diagram 652 provided accordingly. The ahead arrow road marking to diagram 1038 may be used in conjunction with the "one-way traffic" sign.

652 One-way traffic

4.36 A sign to diagram 652 should be erected on each side of the carriageway at the point of entry to a one-way road. The signs should be carefully sited to avoid possible confusion over which road they apply to. When the one-way road forms a junction with the side of another road, the signs should be sited in line with the backline of the major road, although they may be placed a short distance into the one-way road if this enables advantage to be taken of a convenient mounting point such as a lamp column. It may be desirable to orientate the sign to suit the direction of approaching traffic. Note that if mounted within 50 m of a junction from which traffic may approach the sign, the signs must be lit if the road is lit (Schedule 17, item 1). This also applies to junctions within the one-way road (see para 4.37). Direct lighting of the signs in these circumstances ensures that drivers can see the signs at night where the headlamps of turning vehicles are unlikely to provide sufficient illumination from retroreflection.

810 One-way traffic in direction indicated
(Sign for pedestrians)

The arrow may point to the left

4.38 The ONE WAY sign to diagram 810 is an informatory sign for pedestrians. It should be used at locations where pedestrians regularly cross the road, particularly where traffic is approaching from the left. It must never be used in place of diagram 606 when aimed at vehicular traffic. At pedestrian crossing points the LOOK LEFT or LOOK RIGHT road marking to diagram 1029 may be used (see Chapter 5, paras 22.26 to 22.28).

616 No entry for vehicular traffic

May be used with diagram 954 or 954.2. May be used with the road marking shown in diagram 1046

4.39 The "no entry" sign to diagram 616 should be placed on each side of a one-way road at the point where entry is prohibited (direction 8). When the road to which the signs apply forms a junction with the side of another road, the signs should be sited in line with the backline of the major road. The signs must be placed so that one is clearly visible at all times to traffic approaching from any permitted direction; this might require a sign to be angled slightly. Care should be taken in siting the signs to avoid the possibility of drivers misunderstanding which road they apply to.

4.40 Exceptionally, at a junction where the signs apply to a side road and the carriageway of that road is less than 5 m wide (see direction 8), it might be possible to use a single sign, sited no more than 2 m from the carriageway edge, provided that it can be readily seen by all drivers who might otherwise attempt to enter the prohibited road. The Directions also permit a single sign to be used where the main route through the junction is one way, regardless of the width of the side road to which the "no entry" prohibition applies. In this case the sign should be placed on the far side of the prohibited road when viewed from the direction of travel on the main route.

4.41 The upright “no entry” signs may be supplemented by the NO ENTRY road marking to diagram 1046 (see Chapter 5, paras 22.29 to 22.32).

4.42 Where a one-way street order excepts buses, i.e. to introduce a contra-flow bus lane, the sign to diagram 953 with the plate to diagram 953.2 (Only) should be used (see para 15.21). Although the Directions permit supplementary plates to diagram 954 (Except buses) and 954.2 (Except local buses) to be used with diagram 616, this is no longer recommended, as the primary use of the "no entry" sign is to protect the end of a one-way road, where it would be hazardous and endanger the safety of road users should the sign be ignored. No other plates are prescribed or permitted for use with the "no entry" sign. Exception plates for cycles (diagrams 954.3 and 954.4) are prohibited by direction 21(2) from being used with the "no entry" sign. Where cyclists are to be admitted, signs to diagram 953 or 955 should be used in place of the "no entry" sign, or a cycle by-pass constructed. Where access to a two-way street is restricted to a particular class of vehicle or for a specific purpose (e.g. loading), a sign to diagram 617 (no vehicles) or 619 (no motor vehicles) should be used with an appropriate exception plate. For further details on contra-flow bus lanes and contra-flow cycle facilities see sections 15 and 17 respectively.

4.43 Where a traffic bollard is situated at the exit from a one-way road, it may be fitted with a 270 or 300 mm diameter "no entry" sign to stop vehicles entering from the opposite direction. This sign should be used only in addition to, and not in substitution for, the larger signs. The "no entry" symbol may also be incorporated into map-type advance direction signs (see para 4.7).

NO ENTRY SIGNS (OTHER THAN ONE-WAY ROADS)

4.44 Exceptionally, "no entry" signs may be used without an order; but only with the written approval of the Secretary of State (direction 7(3)). Such approval will be given only where it is proposed to use the sign for safety reasons in circumstances where this would not prohibit an otherwise permitted movement. This procedure must not be used to prohibit completely a particular turning manoeuvre at a junction or to prevent access at the end of a segregated lay-by on a single carriageway road. If this is necessary, a traffic regulation order must be made. Circumstances where an order is not required might include guiding drivers at channelising traffic islands, e.g. when approaching a roundabout or when turning right into a side road.


4.45 "No entry" signs might also be used to reduce the risk of traffic entering the wrong carriageway of a dual carriageway road or travelling in the wrong direction along a slip road. They should not, however, be provided as a matter of course, but only where there is a genuine risk of confusion. "No entry" signs are unlikely to be justified where an acceleration lane is provided for traffic joining a dual carriageway road. Superfluous signing is not only unnecessary, it is unsightly and can distract or confuse drivers on the opposite carriageway.

4.46 At a junction with a dual carriageway where there is no gap in the central reservation (i.e. all traffic from the side road turns left), diagram 606 with a plate to diagram 608 should be sufficient without the need for "no entry" signs (see figure 4-2 and para 4.3). Where there is a gap in the central reservation and traffic can turn right into the dual carriageway from the side road, "no entry" signs might be beneficial to deter drivers from turning into the wrong carriageway. Where the junction is controlled by traffic signals, the signs would usually not be necessary.

4.47 The NO ENTRY road marking to diagram 1046 (see Chapter 5, paras 22.29 to 22.32) may be used in the situations described above, with or without associated upright "no entry" signs, and will also require written approval.

614 No U-turns

May be used with diagram 570 or 645

NO U-TURNS

4.48 The "no U-turn" sign to diagram 614 is used to give effect to an order which may apply to a junction or a length of road. At signal-controlled junctions, 300 mm diameter signs should be mounted either alongside and to the right of, or immediately below the green aspect of the duplicate primary and the secondary signals. At junctions not controlled by signals, the sign should be mounted on the central refuge or reservation as close as practicable to the junction to face traffic approaching from the direction the prohibition applies to. Where there is no central island, a sign should be mounted on both the left hand and right hand side of the road.

4.49 Where the prohibition applies to a single gap in the central reservation on a dual carriageway road, a sign of the size appropriate to the speed of traffic should be erected on both sides of the carriageway just before the gap (see Appendix A).

570 Distance over which restriction extends

The distance may be varied (see Appendix B)

4.50 Where the prohibition applies to a length of road, the start should be signed using a pair of signs to diagram 614, one on each side of the road or, in the case of a dual carriageway, on each side of the carriageway. Both signs should have a supplementary plate to diagram 570 showing the distance over which the prohibition applies. A sign and distance plate should also be erected within 50 m of each point of entry from a side road. Elsewhere repeater signs, without distance plates, should be provided at intervals of about 100 m or, on dual carriageway roads, just before each break in the central reservation. Unlike speed limit and rural clearway signs, the repeater signs should be the full size appropriate to the speed of traffic (see Appendix A).

645 End of restriction

4.51 At the end of a restriction, the sign to diagram 614 should be mounted with the "End" plate to diagram 645, back to back with the start of prohibition signs, on both sides of the road or carriageway.

632 No overtaking

May be used with diagram 554.3, 570 or 645

4.52 The sign to diagram 632 is used to give effect to an order which prohibits overtaking. Such orders will be exceptional as situations where forward visibility makes overtaking hazardous can normally be dealt with by double white lines. "No overtaking" signs must not be used along the same length of road as double white lines. Situations where an order might be appropriate include:

(i) roads which are less than 6.1 m wide, thereby making double white lines impracticable (see Chapter 5, para 5.4), and

(ii) roads along which the stopping restrictions imposed by double white lines would not be acceptable.

"No overtaking" signs might also be used at road works, where a temporary order will be required (see Chapter 8). Where a road is prone to ice during most winters, an order can be made to prohibit overtaking when traffic signs are displayed. In this case the sign to diagram 632 should be supplemented by the "Ice" plate to diagram 554.3 (see Chapter 4, paras 11.7 and 11.8).

4.53 The "no overtaking" sign should be erected on each side of the road (direction 8) at the start of the affected length and should be supplemented by distance plates to diagram 570. At the end of the restriction, signs to diagram 632 should be used supplemented by "End" plates to diagram 645. Appropriate sign and plate sizes are specified in Appendix A.

4.54 Repeater signs to diagram 632 and distance plates should be erected at intervals not exceeding 400 m. Where a side road enables traffic to enter part way along a restricted length, signs and plates should be erected on both sides of the major road within 50 m either side of the junction so that they are seen by drivers turning right or left from the minor road. Repeater signs are the same size as the terminal signs.


633 Vehicular traffic must not proceed beyond the sign where displayed temporarily by a a constable in uniform or a person acting under the instructions or authority of the chief officer of police

STOP POLICE

4.55 The sign to diagram 633 may be placed only by a police officer in uniform or a person acting under the instructions or authority of the chief officer of police. The sign gives an instruction to drivers not to proceed beyond it. It may be placed on a highway for a period not exceeding seven days in accordance with section 67 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. By virtue of regulation 54 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002, a police officer, or anyone acting under police instructions, may place a flashing blue lamp with the sign.

This work has been mirrored or sourced from material provided on the UK Government website at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual, which states material is available under the terms of the Open Government License unless indicated otherwise. (Crown copyright acknowledged.)


This is NOT an official transcription, and should NOT be considered in any way a controlled copy of the work in question.

This document no longer necessarily represents current practice, as it relates to an earlier version of the regulations (TSGRD 2002 as amended at publication date) rather than the current TSRGD 2016 regulations. It should not be used for actual design or operational use without consulting a more recent edition.


This version was transcribed in May 2015, from a 2008 impression.

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