Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 4 - Warning Signs. 2013.pdf/51



The "Ford" sign, diagram 554, should be used at all fords, even those which dry up in summer. The sign should also be placed at the entry to the road leading to the ford, accompanied by a distance plate to diagram 572 or 573 as appropriate (see section 18). Where a road is subjected to frequent flooding, the "Ford" sign may be used with the diagram 563 plate "Road liable to flooding".

When diagram 554 is varied to "Flood" or (in the case of a fire or explosion hazard) "No smoking", it may be displayed only for as long as the hazard continues to exist or is expected to recur in the near future. The "Flood" variant may be accompanied by a distance plate to diagram 572 or 573 and should be followed, beyond the flooded length of road, by a "Try your brakes" sign (diagram 554.1). If the water depth makes the road impassable, "ROAD AHEAD CLOSED“ (diagram 7010.1), placed at each end of the closure at junctions where traffic can be diverted, would be more appropriate.

The "Try your brakes" sign should also be installed on the exit side of a ford. Given the likely minor status of the road, it will usually ensure adequate warning if these signs are mounted on the reverse of the "Ford" signs.

This sign may also be used with signs associated with steep hills and escape lanes (see section 6). The largest size (1500 mm) is for use with these signs, not at fords.

Depth gauges, diagrams 826 and 826.1, should be provided at fords or locations where flooding is known to be a persistent problem. The zero level is the lowest part of the carriageway. Gauges should be sited so that the depth of water can be seen by road users on both approaches.

The imperial (diagram 826) or imperial/metric (diagram 826.1) version of the depth gauge may be used, but metric units must not be used alone. 50