In the UK, several road signs are very popular and seen all the time while others are a bit more sparse and can be difficult to understand if you don’t remember their meaning.
To help you out, here is the meaning of one of the road signs you might not understand on UK roads.
This sign is a red cross on a blue background with a red circle around it and it’s known as a no stopping sign with several variations.
What does this no stopping road sign mean?
The Highway Code, shared by the government government website, says: “The red cross means no stopping, not even to pick up or set down passengers.
“The sign is used to indicate a 24-hour clearway (usually on a rural road) or may be incorporated into other signs with the words ‘No stopping’ (e.g. the ‘no stopping except local buses’ sign at bus stops).
“On a 24-hour clearway, the prohibition of stopping applies to the main running carriageway, slip roads and any acceleration and deceleration areas.
“You may stop in a lay-by unless there are signs to say otherwise. A 24-hour clearway does not have any special road markings, but smaller repeater signs might be provided at intervals along the road as a reminder to drivers.”
When the clearway is coming to an end, the circular sign will be accompanied by a box that says ‘end’.
Sometimes, you’ll come across a layby sign that asks drivers to avoid stopping unless there is an emergency.
The government website added: “Stopping in lay-by not allowed, except in an emergency (similar to hard shoulders on a motorway). This may not apply to the whole lay-by.
“The length over which stopping is prohibited will be indicated by double yellow lines. These lay-bys usually have an emergency telephone.”
You might also spot this sign with days and times indicating when you can’t stop somewhere like outside schools where there is a yellow zigzag painted on the road.
The Highway Code adds: “Yellow zig-zag markings outside schools, hospitals or fire, police or ambulance stations indicate the length of road where you should not stop, not even to pick up or set down children or other passengers.
“Where there is an upright sign, there is a mandatory prohibition of stopping during the times shown.
“These markings are provided outside schools to ensure that children can see and be seen clearly when crossing the road.”
You can see all the variations and meanings of this no stopping sign via the Highway Code, linked above.
Why is the no stopping road sign used in the UK?
Surepass Driving School explained: “The no stopping sign prevents traffic congestion. It ensures the smooth flow of vehicles. The sign also increase road safety by reducing potential hazards.”
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What happens if you ignore the no stopping sign?
The driving school also added: “Stopping in a no stopping zone can result in a fine. You may also receive penalty points on your driving licence. Enforcement officers monitor these areas regularly.”
While emergency vehicles are exempt from following these road sign rules, it added that this doesn’t apply to other road users: “You cannot stop in a no stopping zone, even in an emergency.
“You should find a safe place to stop away from the restricted area. Always prioritise safety and follow road regulations.”
