Drivers driving in 'unfamiliar areas' warned road sign means 'hefty fine'

Motorists are being urged to brush up on their understanding of road signs to avoid hefty fines and potential hazards on the roads - as they are at risk of fines amid the Cost of Living crisis.

Drivers have been warned over road signs in "new areas". Motorists are being urged to brush up on their understanding of road signs to avoid hefty fines and potential hazards on the roads - as they are at risk of fines amid the Cost of Living crisis.

Jake Smith, director of Absolute Reg, said: "The number of different parking signs in the UK can make knowing where to park and for how long a little tricky. Having a basic knowledge of some of the most common signs could make the difference between getting slapped with a fine or avoiding one.

"If you’re in a new area and you’re uncertain of the parking rules, look out for and make sure you read the signs and be clear on whether you are authorised to park on the road or on the allocated bays." Britain introduced road signs in 1965 with new signs added each year.

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Drivers must familiarise themselves with all road signs, even if they don’t encounter them regularly or they weren’t in circulation when they first sat their driving test, to ensure they’re prepared to respond appropriately to any unexpected situations or changes in road conditions.

Greg Wilson, CEO and Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Road signs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all road users. “Our research shows an increase in searches for six key road signs, showing there is misunderstanding over their interpretation. “By addressing confusion on the roads, we can go a long way to improving driver knowledge and ultimately help improve road safety.

“The Department for Transport don’t actually collect information on which road traffic signs are cited the most in UK road traffic incidents as part of their collision statistics, however 44% of all road accidents across Great Britain, in the latest data (2021), were at a roundabout, crossroad or staggered junction – some of the most difficult obstacles to manoeuvre on the road with the most complicated road signs, so we all need to practice our skills and refresh ourselves with the Highway Code on a regular basis.”