Many motorists don’t understand this Highway Code rule.
Motorists are being warned to look out for a plain red circle road sign with a blank interior(Image: Getty)
Motorists are being warned to look out for a plain red circle road sign with a blank interior – as it enforces a stringent regulation that numerous drivers fail to properly comprehend. The distinctive sign, which displays a red border with a completely empty white centre, signifies that no vehicles may proceed.
According to the official Highway Code, the sign denotes a road that is shut to all vehicular traffic, rendering it unlawful for drivers to travel beyond that point.
Mandy Roscoe, signage specialist at Carrick Signs, warns that misunderstanding this straightforward sign can prove problematic for drivers, particularly near school streets, low-emission zones, and bus-only routes.
It’s even resulting in motorists receiving substantial fines and penalty points.
She said: “Drivers see a plain red circle and think it’s inactive, faded, or only applies to motor vehicles. But entering those restricted zones can mean an instant penalty notice. And, in autumn, with limited light and rain or mist, you’ve got even less time to spot supplementary plates showing exemptions or time windows.”
The sign is applicable to all motor vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Vans
- Lorries
In numerous instances, it also extends to other vehicles such as horse-drawn carriages, though local signage will typically clarify if exemptions exist, reports the Express.
It is frequently employed to prevent vehicles entering:
- Pedestrianised areas
- Quiet lanes
- Private roads
- Certain bridges or narrow routes
Unlike other restriction signs that display symbols – such as a car or motorbike – this one remains blank to indicate that the restriction encompasses every vehicle, rather than solely specific categories. The Department for Transport employs the straightforward design to ensure it can be identified rapidly without any ambiguity.
Nevertheless, drivers should be mindful of penalties for disregarding these signs. Transport for London collected £89.3million during 2023-24 from red route fines, representing a 57% increase over just five years.
Throughout the same timeframe, on-street penalty charge notices generated £6.85million in Manchester, with more than 213,000 PCNs issued. For drivers, the repercussions are immediate: fines typically span from £60 to £130, depending on the local authority, and enforcement is often conducted via ANPR or CCTV technology, rendering these contraventions challenging to dispute.
To assist motorists in preventing unnecessary costs, Mandy suggests three simple measures:
- Always regard a plain red circle (without pictogram) as “no vehicles at any time” unless you spot a clear exemption
- Take a moment to examine supplementary plates directly beneath the sign, as these frequently display times, permitted vehicle categories, or local exceptions
- In low lighting or harsh weather conditions, reduce speed at junctions and entrances to allow yourself additional time to read signage correctly before proceeding