Drivers are being urged to watch out for a plain red circle road sign with nothing inside it — as it carries a strict rule that many motorists don’t fully understand. The unusual sign, which features a red border and completely blank white centre, means no vehicles are allowed to enter.
According to the official Highway Code, the sign indicates a road that is closed to all vehicular traffic, making it illegal for drivers to continue beyond that point. Mandy Roscoe, signage expert at Carrick Signs, says misinterpreting this simple sign can spell bad news for drivers, especially near school streets, low-emission zones, and bus-only routes. It's even landing motorists with hefty fines and penalty points.
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 many cases, it also applies to other vehicles such as horse-drawn carriages, although local signage will usually clarify if there are exceptions.
Unlike other restriction signs that show symbols — such as a car or motorbike — this one is left blank to show that the restriction applies to every vehicle, rather than just specific types.
The Department for Transport uses the simple design so it can be recognised quickly without confusion.
However, motorists should be aware of fines for ignoring the signs. Transport for London raked in £89.3million in 2023-24 from fines on red routes, a 57% surge in just five years.
During the same period, on-street penalty charge notices brought in £6.85million 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.
To help drivers in avoiding needless expenses, Mandy recommends three straightforward precautions: