In London alone, millions of pounds in fines were handed out due to this sign being ignored
As darker evenings and soggy weather make their return this autumn, motoring experts are issuing a stark warning to drivers about one of Britain’s most baffling road signs. The sign causing chaos is nothing more than a basic blank red circle – yet it is landing motorists with hefty fines and penalty points.
Mandy Roscoe, signage expert at Carrick Signs, reveals why misinterpreting this deceptively simple ‘no vehicles’ sign is trapping drivers, especially near school streets, low-emission zones, and bus-only routes.
According to Mandy, countless drivers fail to grasp that this ‘no vehicles’ sign covers all vehicles, including cars, motorbikes and bicycles.
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She said: “Drivers see a plain red circle and think it’s inactive, faded, or only applies to motor vehicles. But entering those restricted zones can mean an instant penalty notice. And, in autumn, with limited light and rain or mist, you’ve got even less time to spot supplementary plates showing exemptions or time windows.”
In London alone, Transport for London raked in £89.3 million in 2023-24 from fines on red routes, a whopping 57% surge in just five years.
During the same period, on-street penalty charge notices brought in £6.85 million in Manchester, with over 213,000 PCNs dished out. For motorists, the consequences are swift: penalties typically range from £60 to £130, depending on the local council, and enforcement is frequently carried out through ANPR or CCTV systems, making these violations difficult to challenge.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, there is also a potential insurance concern; should a vehicle be involved in an accident within a restricted area, an insurer might claim contributory negligence.
To assist drivers in avoiding needless expenses this autumn, Mandy recommends three straightforward precautions:
Always regard a plain red circle (without pictogram) as “no vehicles at any time” unless you spot a clear exemption.
Take a moment to examine supplementary plates directly beneath the sign, as these frequently display times, permitted vehicle categories, or local exceptions.
Lastly, in dim lighting or harsh weather conditions, reduce speed at junctions and entrances to allow yourself additional time to read signage correctly before proceeding.