Miscellaneous signs
HOV lanes
HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes) are similar to bus lanes, but they can also be used by vehicles (other than lorries) with at least one passenger in addition to the driver, as indicated by the ‘2+’ car symbol. Where the requirement is for at least 2 passengers in the vehicle, a ‘3+’ car symbol is shown on the signs. Solo motorcycles are normally allowed to use HOV lanes, but large lorries are likely to be prohibited. Signs indicate which vehicles are permitted in the lane. The aim of a HOV lane is to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging car sharing.
This sign gives advance warning of a HOV lane ahead.
A separate sign gives the times of operation of a HOV lane ahead.
Another sign indicates which vehicles may use the HOV lane ahead.
Start of HOV lane (near-side).
HOV lane (near-side).
HOV lane road marking.
End of HOV lane.
Road charging
Road charging was first introduced in Durham and then central London. Upright zone signs for road charging indicate an area or network of roads where a road-charging scheme is in operation. Road markings may also be provided. The white on red ‘C’ symbol is used on signs to indicate such schemes. The symbol is also used to indicate congestion, toll or other type of road charging.
This example shows a typical zone entry sign. The charging period is shown in the lower panel. The name of the traffic authority may be shown at the top of the sign. The sign may be supplemented by a ‘C’ symbol road marking. Direction signs may incorporate the ‘C’ symbol to indicate routes that lead into the charging zone. Details of the actual charges and the method of payment are available from the appropriate traffic authority.
This information sign for a tolled crossing shows the distance to the crossing in the top panel, the charging period and charge in the middle panel and the method of payment in the bottom panel. To help reduce journey times and minimise congestion, some crossings may be free flow and not have any pay booths. The name of the traffic authority may be shown at the top of the sign.
Clean air zones
A clean air zone (CAZ) defines an area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality and resources are prioritised to deliver improved health benefits. In CAZs, some drivers may be required to pay a daily charge to enter, or move within, a zone if they are driving a vehicle that does not meet the particular standard for their vehicle type in that zone.
The white on green ‘cloud’ symbol is used to indicate a CAZ. The 4 classes of CAZ are indicated by the letter (A, B, C, D) shown on the ‘cloud’ symbol.
| Class | Vehicle type |
| A | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles |
| B | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles |
| C | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses |
| D | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars; the local authority has the option to include motorcycles |
For more information about CAZ, visit Driving in a clean air zone.
This zone entry sign shows the name of the traffic authority in the top panel, the class of the CAZ in the middle panel and the period of operation and details of the method of payment in the bottom panel. The period of operation may be omitted if the CAZ is operational at all times. More details of the charges and payment methods are available from the appropriate traffic authority.
This advance information sign shows the distance to the start of a CAZ, the class of the CAZ and the period of operation in the top panel. The bottom panel shows details of the method of payment. The period of operation may be omitted if the CAZ is operational at all times. More details of the charges and payment methods are available from the appropriate traffic authority.
Ultra Low Emission Zone and Low Emission Zone in London
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in London and aims to improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles in London that do not meet emissions standards. Cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) not meeting the ULEZ emission standards must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in London and is designed to reduce harmful emissions from the most polluting diesel-engined lorries, coaches and buses. Cars and motorcycles are not affected. Vehicles not meeting the LEZ emission standards must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.
For more information about ULEZ and LEZ, visit the Transport for London website (opens in a new tab).
This zone entry sign indicates that both the ULEZ and LEZ are in operation. The name of the traffic authority is shown in the top panel. The charging period, if not applicable at all times, may be shown in a panel below the lower panel. Details of the charges and payment methods are available from the appropriate traffic authority.
This advance information sign shows the distance to the start of the LEZ and ULEZ zones. Details of the charges and payment methods are available from the appropriate traffic authority.
Low Emission Zones in Scotland
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) have been introduced in several Scottish cities to contribute to a reduction in harmful air pollution.
A vehicle will be in contravention of Scottish LEZ requirements if it does not meet the emission standard (unless it is exempt). Driving a vehicle in contravention of requirements within a LEZ in Scotland is not permitted.
For more information on LEZ in Scotland, visit Low Emission Zones Scotland.
Entrance to a Low Emission Zone in Scotland.
Direction sign showing the distance to the start of a Low Emission Zone in Scotland.
Road marking indicating the commencement of a Low Emission Zone in Scotland.
Advance notification sign showing the distance to the start of a Low Emission Zone in Scotland.
Reminder to drivers within a Low Emission Zone in Scotland in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations.
Rising bollards
In some town and city centres, certain streets may be closed for part of the day, either to all traffic (e.g. pedestrian zones) or to through traffic, with access permitted, for example, to public transport. Enforcement of these restrictions may be by the use of automatic bollards that rise from the ground to provide a physical closure. Where such bollards are in use, warning signs are normally provided. Where certain vehicles are allowed entry, red and green signals control the operation of the bollards. Only one vehicle should pass at any one time and may proceed only if the green signal is showing. Some vehicles, e.g. buses, have devices that can be recognised by detectors controlling the operation of the bollards. If you are not driving an authorised vehicle, do not follow the vehicle in front, as you may risk personal injury and damage to your own vehicle. Where pedal cycles are exempt, a separate route avoiding the bollards is normally provided.
When illuminated, the red signal indicates the period during which an automatic bollard is in the raised position and that vehicular traffic must not proceed. The green signal, when illuminated, indicates the period during which an automatic bollard is in the lowered position and that vehicular traffic may proceed.
Rising bollards might also be used at the exit to a road-charging area. These operate when payment has been made (similar to the exit from some car parks).
Driver location signs
These have been introduced at regular intervals along many motorways and some other roads so that, in the event of a vehicle breakdown or other emergency, the exact location can be identified quickly. They show the motorway or road number, the carriageway identifier and a unique locational reference.
Variable message signs
Some signs are designed to provide information about varying traffic conditions, such as delays or diversions ahead, or to warn of specific hazards, such as animals or debris in the road. These are called ‘variable message signs’ and may be free-standing with an electronic display, such as the signs that have been erected above motorway hard shoulders. Some direction signs contain variable elements. They might show, for example, alternative routes, or the availability of spaces in car parks.
Signs activated by moving vehicles are provided as a road safety measure. They can give a reminder of the speed limit, or warning of a hazard such as a bend or crossroads. They are activated when a vehicle is travelling above a certain speed and the driver needs to slow down.
The Department for Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual provides detailed guidance for those responsible for designing and installing traffic signs. Published by TSO, it is divided into 8 individual chapters and available online and in hard copy.
Online: Traffic signs manual (opens in a new tab)
Telephone order: 0333 202 5070