Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/81



Guidance on the use of the KEEP CLEAR marking to diagram 1027.1 can be found in Chapter 5, paras 22.19 to 22.25. Where this marking is to be enforced by the making of an order, a sign to diagram 642.2A is required. It may be used outside a hospital or a fire, police or ambulance station, as well as at school premises. The time period shown may be varied as appropriate but the legend "during term time" must not be used. This legend is not prescribed by the Regulations as not all drivers will be familiar with the exact dates of each school term, particularly as these can vary from one area to another. When the ”no stopping” order applies at all times, the time period is omitted as shown on working drawing P 642.2A (see para 1.9). The expression "at any time" must not be used as this does not comply with Schedule 16, item 38.

The sign to diagram 642.2A is prescribed in only one size. As drivers should not stop on a KEEP CLEAR marking unless they already know they are outside its operational hours, it is not essential for it to face oncoming traffic, although this will make it more conspicuous and leave no doubt about when it applies. Where the road is two way, at least two signs will be required if they are to face oncoming traffic, one facing in each direction. In many situations the two signs can be mounted back to back near the centre of the road marking. Where this is not practicable (e.g. outside a fire station) the two signs should be erected separately near each end of the marking. Where more than one marking is used, in accordance with Chapter 5, para 22.21, a sign to diagram 642.2A will be required for each marking.

Where both the KEEP CLEAR marking and the mandatory sign to diagram 642.2A are used on a road that is also subject to a prohibition of waiting, the latter should be independently signed, with the yellow line to diagram 1017 or 1018.1 running behind the KEEP CLEAR marking (see para 22.25 in Chapter 5). As waiting restriction signs are spaced at approximately 60 m intervals (see para 6.34), it is possible that there might not be such a sign alongside the KEEP CLEAR marking. However, it would be helpful to drivers to provide a sign (except where the restriction is no waiting at any time) as a reminder that waiting restrictions apply during times when the prohibition of stopping does not. The sign could be co—located with diagram 642.2A. This also applies within a controlled parking zone, where upright signs are normally dispensed with (see para 12.2). Where the prohibition of waiting applies only during times that are covered by the stopping prohibition, yellow lines and signs are not needed, except that yellow lines are still required within a controlled parking zone (see para 12.1(a)(i)). The signing and marking of a prohibition of loading should be treated in the same way as the prohibition of waiting.

Before the 2002 Regulations came into force, an order was required for a bus stop clearway. The significance of the bus stop clearway markings shown in diagrams 1025.1, 1025.3 and 1025.4 (see Chapter 5, paras 17.20 to 17.23) is now specified and standardised by regulation 29(1) so that they can be used to convey the prohibition specified 79