Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 4 - Warning Signs. 2013.pdf/52



The "Ice" signs, diagrams 554.2 and 554.3, or the "Snowdrifts" variant, are intended for use as temporary signs when a route is unusually dangerous as a result of extensive icing or heavy snowfalls. The signs must be removed when conditions return to normal (direction 39(3)). When indicating "Ice", one size larger X-height should be used to compensate for the short word, which would otherwise result in a very small plate. The variant "Snowdrifts" should be at the normal X-height for the road (see Appendix B).

The "Ice" (or "Snowdrifts") plate must never be used alone. It must be used with one of the following signs: 554.2, 622.1A (goods vehicle weight limit), 622.4 (No articulated vehicles), 629 (width limit, imperial units), 629A (width limit, metric and imperial units), 629.1 (length limit) or 632 (no overtaking). The regulatory signs are used when snow or ice conditions make it unsafe for the prohibited type of vehicle to use the road, or where, in the case of diagram 632, overtaking would be hazardous.

The quayside or river bank sign, diagram 555, should be used wherever a public road approaches an unbarriered quayside or river bank. In order to break up the straight ahead view at such locations and to give greater emphasis, hazard markers to diagrams 560 or 561, chevrons to diagram 515, or appropriate direction signs may be mounted to face traffic that might be at risk.

The water course sign, diagram 555.1, is intended for locations where a road runs alongside a water course of sufficient depth to be a danger if a vehicle leaves the carriageway. This may be important if the water surface cannot easily be seen, e.g. because of obscuration by vegetation, or if the road is liable to flooding and there is difficulty in distinguishing between carriageway and water course. A sign is not necessary if the road edge is kerbed or if a safety fence is provided. Where the risk is to vehicles parking alongside a water course, e.g. at a quayside, diagram 555 will be more appropriate.

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