{"id":158868,"date":"2026-05-23T01:50:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T01:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/highway-code-road-sign-drivers-dont-understand-thats-raking-in-millions-in-fines\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T01:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T01:50:26","slug":"highway-code-road-sign-drivers-dont-understand-thats-raking-in-millions-in-fines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/highway-code-road-sign-drivers-dont-understand-thats-raking-in-millions-in-fines\/","title":{"rendered":"Highway code road sign drivers don&#8217;t understand that&#8217;s raking in millions in fines"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_f16c80\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">It&#8217;s a common sight on UK roads, but failing to understand what it means and comply with it can result in fines of between \u00a360 and \u00a3130<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33992615\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cars on motorway in rain\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"There is one particular road sign many drivers don't understand at all\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">There is one particular road sign many drivers don&#8217;t understand at all<cite aria-label=\"Image: WalesOnline\/Rob Browne\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: WalesOnline\/Rob Browne)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Motorists are being urged to watch out for a plain red circle road sign with a blank centre \u2014 as it enforces a strict rule that many drivers fail to fully understand. The unmistakable sign, featuring a red border with a completely empty white interior, means no vehicles are permitted to pass.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">According to the official Highway Code, the sign indicates a road that is closed to all vehicular traffic, making it illegal for drivers to proceed beyond that point.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Mandy Roscoe, signage specialist at Carrick Signs, cautioned that misinterpreting this simple sign could spell trouble for drivers, especially near <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/wales-schools\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">school<\/a> streets, low-emission zones, and bus-only routes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It&#8217;s even leading to motorists being hit with hefty fines and penalty points. <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><em>Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news <\/em><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?view=Solus&amp;mailingListId=aa0abd38-0db5-4492-99f3-e73baecff682&amp;utm_source=solusarticle\" rel=\"follow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><em><u>with our newsletter<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-33992077\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33992077\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Road sign: No entry for any type of vehicle\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992077.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2165216038.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992077.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_GettyImages-2165216038.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992077.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_GettyImages-2165216038.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992077.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2165216038.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Motorists are being warned to look out for a plain red circle road sign with a blank interior\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Motorists are being warned to look out for a plain red circle road sign with a blank interior<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">She said: &#8220;Drivers see a plain red circle and think it&#8217;s inactive, faded, or only applies to motor vehicles. But entering those restricted zones can mean an instant penalty notice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">And, in autumn, with limited light and rain or mist, you&#8217;ve got even less time to spot supplementary plates showing exemptions or time windows.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The sign applies to all motor vehicles, including:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\">\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Cars<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Motorcycles<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Vans<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Lorries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In many cases, it also covers other vehicles such as horse-drawn carriages, although local signage will usually specify if exemptions apply.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It is commonly used to prevent vehicles entering:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\">\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Pedestrianised areas<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Quiet lanes<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Private roads<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Certain bridges or narrow routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Unlike other prohibition signs that feature symbols \u2014 such as a car or motorbike \u2014 this particular sign is deliberately left blank to signify that the restriction applies to all vehicles, rather than just certain types. The Department for Transport uses this simple design to ensure it can be recognised quickly and without confusion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, motorists should be aware of the penalties for ignoring these signs. Transport for London raked in \u00a389.3million during 2023-24 from red route fines, marking a 57% rise over just five years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">During the same period, on-street penalty charge notices brought in \u00a36.85million in Manchester, with more than 213,000 PCNs handed out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">For drivers, the consequences are swift: fines typically range from \u00a360 to \u00a3130, depending on the local authority, and enforcement is frequently carried out using ANPR or CCTV technology, making these violations difficult to challenge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">To help motorists avoid needless expense, Mandy recommends three straightforward steps:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\">\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Always regard a plain red circle (without pictogram) as &#8220;no vehicles at any time&#8221; unless you spot a clear exemption<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Take a moment to examine supplementary plates directly beneath the sign, as these frequently display times, permitted vehicle categories, or local exceptions<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">In low lighting or harsh weather conditions, reduce speed at junctions and entrances to allow yourself additional time to read signage correctly before proceeding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/news\/uk-news\/highway-code-road-sign-drivers-33992078\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s a common sight on UK roads, but failing to understand what it means and comply with it can result in fines of between \u00a360 and \u00a3130 There is one&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":158869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[29,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-158868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recentpost","category-transport-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk\/article33992615.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_rbp_mai010124M424267JPG.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":true,"date":"2026-11-23 01:50:26","action":"change-status","newStatus":"trash","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=158868"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158868\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/158869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=158868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=158868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=158868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}