Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/13



The STOP sign to diagram 601.1 and the GIVE WAY sign to diagram 602 impose mandatory requirements on drivers entering a major road or crossing a railway or tramway. When the signs are to be installed in conjunction with railway level crossings or tramway crossings, the railway or tramway infrastructure manager and Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (a directorate of the Office of Rail Regulation) should be consulted beforehand.

STOP and GIVE WAY signs are subject to section 36 of the (see regulation 10). Where a driver fails to comply, the offence is one of failing to obey a traffic sign, not failing to comply with a traffic regulation order. Orders are not therefore required to install these signs. However, STOP signs may be erected only at sites approved in writing by the Secretary of State (direction 6).

It is expected that most junctions that would satisfy the criteria for STOP signs have already been approved. New junctions should not be constructed with very poor visibility, so new approvals for STOP signs should be exceptional.

The Directions prohibit the use of STOP or GIVE WAY signs on all approaches to a junction, as this would cause uncertainty as to which vehicles had priority.

Advance warning of the requirement to stop or give way may be given using the sign to diagram 501 together with the plate to diagram 502 or 503 as appropriate (see Chapter 4, para 2.1).

The plate to diagram 608 (Dual carriageway) may be mounted below the STOP or GIVE WAY sign on the minor road approaching a dual carriageway where there is a gap in the central reservation. This warns drivers from the minor road that, if turning right, they should turn after the central reservation.

Where a STOP sign (diagram 601.1) has been provided, regulation 16 requires that:

(i) every vehicle shall stop before crossing the transverse line shown in diagram 1002.1; and

(ii) no vehicle shall cross that line so as to be likely to endanger the driver of or any passenger in any other vehicle or to cause that driver to change the speed or course of his vehicle in order to avoid an accident.

Similar requirements apply at railway and tramway crossings where a STOP sign has been provided (see paras 3.18 and 3.20).

STOP signs, other than at junctions with tramways, will be approved only where visibility is so restricted that it is essential for drivers to stop before entering the major road. The sign will be well respected only if drivers can see the need for it. The possibility of making a visibility improvement at a junction should always be investigated before considering a STOP sign. Restriction of visibility caused, for example, by a hedge that can be reduced in height or removed will not normally justify a STOP sign, particularly as highway authorities have powers under section 79 of the to remove obstructions to visibility at junctions.