Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 4 - Warning Signs. 2013.pdf/47



The signs in this section are used to give warning of wild animals, farm animals, horses being taken or ridden along or across a road, or of straying animals from neighbouring unfenced land. The onus is normally on those in charge of farm animals or horses to ensure that their movement is carried out safely; nevertheless the signs may be used at places where animals regularly cross or move along a road, but where visibility is poor.

Where a sign is provided, but the danger is not likely to be present throughout the year (e.g. in winter months when animals are not normally driven across a particular road) traffic authorities should arrange for the sign to be covered during that time, in order to preserve its credibility.

If animals will be encountered only over a known, determinate length of road, the addition of a distance plate, e.g. "For 500 yds" (diagram 570) will be appropriate, but the signs may need to be repeated if the danger exists over a considerable distance. It will often be found that animals wander onto the highway not at completely random points, but in particular areas and warning signs should be erected accordingly. See section 18 for further guidance on the use of distance plates.

The cattle sign to diagram 548 will generally provide sufficient warning of cattle crossings. However, at sites with restricted visibility or where heavy traffic flows make it difficult to herd cattle across the road, the sign to diagram 4005 (which comprises the sign to diagram 548 and flashing amber lights) may be used.

A warning sign to diagram 548 with a plate to 548.1 must be used in advance of a cattle crossing where flashing lamps are used (direction 55(2)).

Such signing is not intended as a solution for anticipated problems on planned new roads, major improvements, or where at other sites the movement of cattle would frequently obstruct traffic for a period of more than three minutes. Nor is a surface crossing appropriate where the traffic flow exceeds 30,000 vehicles per day. In such cases other measures such as a segregating facility should be considered. 46