Motorway Signs
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The upcoming end of motorway regulations, including the national speed limit, within 1 mile.: This sign warns drivers that the special regulations applicable to motorways, such as higher speed limits, will cease to apply in approximately 1 mile. Beyond this point, the standard national speed limit for other roads will generally come into effect.
The beginning of motorway regulations, including the national speed limit, on the M 62 motorway.: This sign signals the commencement of the M 62 motorway and informs drivers that motorway-specific regulations, including higher speed limits, now apply. Drivers should adjust their driving accordingly to comply with motorway rules.
The route number (A 505) that has been reached from a motorway exit road.: This sign is typically placed after a motorway exit slip road and informs drivers which specific route number (A 505) they have now reached. The arrow indicates the direction of that route from the exit point.
The nearest rest area is 10 miles (16 km) away.: This sign indicates the distance to the next motorway service area. It specifies that the services are 10 miles (or approximately 16 kilometers) ahead, allowing drivers to plan their breaks or fuel stops accordingly.
An upcoming junction with another motorway (M25/M26) in 2 miles.: This sign provides advance warning of a junction ahead that connects to other motorways, specifically the M25 and M26. It indicates that this junction will be reached in approximately 2 miles, allowing drivers to prepare for their exit or route change.
Motorway regulations cease to apply.: This sign, found at the entrance to a motorway service area or similar facility, informs drivers that the specific regulations governing motorways no longer apply beyond this point. Drivers should be aware of a potential change in rules or speed limits.
Motorway junction 25, leading to route A 52 and destination Nottingham, is 0.5 miles ahead.: This sign provides advance notice of a motorway junction, including its junction number (25) and the route (A 52) leading to the destination (Nottingham). It also indicates that this junction is approximately half a mile away, allowing drivers time to prepare for their exit.
Destinations (Sheffield, Leeds) and their respective distances in miles on the M 1 motorway.: This sign is a directional sign found on the motorway itself, confirming the route number (M 1) and listing key destinations like Sheffield and Leeds, along with their distances in miles. This helps drivers confirm they are on the correct route and plan their journey.
Direction to motorway M 1 at junction 23, with Nottingham as a destination via that motorway.: This sign guides drivers at a motorway junction, showing the route number (M 1) and the specific junction number (23). It also confirms that Nottingham is a destination accessible via this motorway route.
The entrance to a motorway service area is in the direction of the arrow.: This sign directly indicates the entrance to a motorway service area. The arrow shows the direction drivers need to take to access the facilities such as fuel, food, and rest areas.
An additional traffic lane joining from the left.: This sign indicates that a new traffic lane will be merging onto the main carriageway from the left side ahead. Drivers should be prepared for potential merging traffic and adjust their speed and position accordingly.
Suggests pulling over at the next motorway services to take a break if experiencing tiredness.: This sign serves as a crucial safety reminder that prolonged driving can lead to fatigue, which is dangerous. It advises motorists to utilize the next available motorway services to rest and prevent accidents caused by tiredness.
Drivers must leave the motorway at the next exit.: This sign, often seen on motorway gantries or at the roadside, provides a mandatory instruction for drivers to exit the motorway at the very next available junction. This can be used to divert traffic due to incidents or congestion ahead.
A risk of fog ahead, and drivers should proceed with caution.: This warning sign indicates that drivers are approaching an area where there is a risk of fog, which can severely reduce visibility. Drivers are advised to reduce their speed, turn on appropriate lights, and exercise increased caution.
A risk of ice ahead, and drivers should proceed with caution.: This sign warns drivers of the potential presence of ice on the road surface ahead, which significantly reduces grip and increases braking distances. Motorists should reduce speed and drive with extreme care to prevent skidding.
Temporary restrictions that were in effect are now concluded.: This sign marks the end of any temporary traffic restrictions that might have been in place, such as reduced speed limits, lane closures, or other temporary regulations due to roadworks, incidents, or specific weather conditions. Drivers can generally resume normal driving conditions beyond this point.
A temporary advised speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) due to current traffic or weather conditions.: This sign displays a temporary speed advisory of 50 mph (which is 80 km/h). This advisory is issued to drivers when prevailing traffic or weather conditions necessitate a reduced speed for safety.
Lane 2 is closed ahead. Drivers should use lane 1 and proceed with caution.: This sign indicates that the second lane from the left is closed further ahead. Drivers are instructed to merge into Lane 1 and to continue with caution, anticipating the lane closure.
Lanes 2 and 3 are closed ahead. Drivers should use lane 1 and proceed with caution.: This sign alerts drivers that both the second and third lanes from the left are closed ahead. It directs all traffic to utilize Lane 1 and to proceed through the area with increased caution.
Lane 1 is closed. Drivers should use lanes 2, 3, and 4, and proceed with caution.: This sign indicates that the leftmost lane (Lane 1) is closed to traffic. Drivers are advised to utilize the remaining open lanes (2, 3, and 4) and to exercise caution while navigating past the closure.
Drivers must not enter the traffic lane directly below the sign.: This sign, featuring a red X, is a mandatory signal indicating that the traffic lane directly beneath it is closed to all traffic. Drivers must not enter or proceed in this lane for safety reasons.
Both lanes are closed, and entry to the motorway is prohibited when the red lamps are flashing.: This sign signals that both lanes of the motorway are currently closed. The flashing red lamps reinforce that it is prohibited to enter the motorway when this signal is displayed.
All 3 lanes are closed, and drivers must not enter the motorway when the red lamps are flashing.: This sign indicates that all three lanes of the motorway are closed. The flashing red lights emphasize that entry to the motorway is strictly prohibited for all vehicles under these conditions.
All 4 lanes are closed, and entry to the motorway is prohibited when the red lamps are flashing.: This sign clearly shows that all four lanes of the motorway are closed to traffic. The alternating flashing red lamps serve as a strong warning, meaning that no vehicle is permitted to enter the motorway at this point.