Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/98

SIGNING PRINCIPLES Top panels contain messages and instructions on lane behaviour. Only one top panel may be used on any one sign. The top panels are as follows:

The bottom panels contain distance and other advisory messages, as follows:

A sign is defined by panel numbers denoting the restriction in each lane. If the centre lane or lanes of a carriageway are shown as closed, then either the left or right-hand lanes should also be shown as closed. On signs to diagram 7201.1 a symbol to diagram 7288 may be used to indicate traffic moving in the opposite direction. Note that only one symbol to diagram 7288 may be used to represent opposing traffic separated by traffic cylinders.

For a full list of centre panels with which each symbol can be used see item 3 in the table below each symbol diagram in Schedule 12 to the Regulations. The design of these panels is detailed in Chapter 7.

It is imperative that the signs are changed immediately to indicate the new arrangements when a road layout is changed.

The "lane restriction" symbols to diagrams 7280 to 7288 are used on dual carriageway roads and slip roads to indicate to drivers which lanes ahead are open and which are closed or restricted to particular classes of vehicles. For dimensions of symbols and x-heights of elements for the centre panel of signs see Chapter 7, Section 13 Figure 13-3. Roundels are prescribed in only one size (750mm) for imperial unit signs, and one size (900mm) for dual unit signs, and it is not permitted to vary these. Dual unit signs should be used wherever possible. The symbols may be used to show the restrictions applying to particular lanes, with the following meanings.

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