The sign is very common in the UK but many drivers don’t know what it means.
The ‘clearway’ road sign(Image: Getty)
Motorists are being encouraged to refresh their understanding of road signs after industry experts disclosed that a substantial proportion of drivers continue to be baffled by some symbols.
The UK Government’s official publication, Know Your Traffic Signs, spans an eye-watering 172 pages, making it hardly surprising that signs leave people perplexed. Social media platforms are frequently used by drivers seeking clarification on the meaning of various road signs.
This specific sign is widespread across the UK, meaning there’s a high likelihood you’ve encountered it – in fact, one Reddit user responded to an enquiry about its meaning by stating: “This is one of the basic signs people who drive in this country should know. Not knowing what the sign is or how to check is an absolute failure.” And another said: “How do you exist as a driver with a license without knowing what a sign like this means?”
Despite those blunt observations, there’s a distinct possibility you’re unclear about its precise meaning. The sign features a red circle with a blue background and a red diagonal cross inside, and while it may appear recognisable to most road users, that doesn’t mean everyone knows what it signifies.
According to insurance experts at One Sure Insurance, confusion surrounding road signs is considerably more prevalent than many would anticipate. Furthermore, figures from the AA indicate that although the vast majority of drivers consider themselves safe behind the wheel, approximately half concede they struggle with particular elements of the Highway Code, reports the Daily Record. This gap in knowledge can result in motorists inadvertently flouting regulations or misinterpreting signage while driving.
What does the red-and-blue cross sign mean?
The red-and-blue cross sign denotes a clearway, which means motorists are prohibited from stopping at any time. Unlike certain other restrictions which only operate during specific hours, the clearway regulation means you must not halt your vehicle on that section of road for any purpose whatsoever, unless facing an emergency.
This includes stopping to:
- Pick up or drop off passengers
- Check directions
- Make a phone call
- Wait briefly in the car
The UK Government’s official guidance states: “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’ (eg 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.”
Since stopping is entirely prohibited, any motorist who pulls over within a clearway area faces the prospect of receiving a fine or penalty notice. However, one key reason the sign generates such widespread confusion is its resemblance to other blue-and-red road signs found throughout the UK, each carrying subtly different meanings. For instance, a sign displaying a single red line through a blue circle denotes an “urban clearway”.
An urban clearway operates in much the same way as a standard clearway, but with conditions attached. These are typically accompanied by supplementary information, such as specific times and days when the restrictions apply.
Misunderstanding the distinction between the two could lead motorists to assume they are acting lawfully when, in reality, they are committing an offence.
Clearways are generally implemented on congested routes where stopping could cause traffic build-up or create safety hazards, such as main arterial roads leading into city centres or heavily-used thoroughfares.
By prohibiting vehicles from stopping entirely, authorities seek to maintain smooth traffic flow and minimise the risk of sudden braking or obstructions.
For motorists uncertain about road signage, experts advise consulting the Highway Code to ensure a thorough understanding of the regulations – especially as confusion can result in fines or hazardous situations on the road. They suggest refreshing your knowledge of road signs could help drivers avoid penalties, collisions, and insurance claims.
A spokesperson for One Sure Insurance stated: “We see a lot of accidents or traffic violations happen because drivers simply don’t understand or recognise certain road signs. These mistakes may seem minor at first, but they can lead to fines, insurance claims, and in worst-case scenarios, serious accidents. It’s vital to take the time to understand every road sign you encounter.”
