Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Instrument)
Part I of this instrument amends the Traffic Signs Regulations 1981 as follows.
The offence specified in section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – drivers to comply with traffic signs – is applied to the sign shown in diagram 629.2 (vehicles exceeding height indicated prohibited).
The sign shown in diagram 629.2 is specified for the purposes of the relevant entry in Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 so that the offence committed by failing to comply with the sign involves discretionary disqualification.
References to the Road Traffic Act 1972 in regulation 7 are updated to refer to the Road Traffic Act 1988 or the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 where applicable.
Part II of this instrument amends the Traffic Signs General Directions 1981 (“the 1981 Directions”) so that –
the sign shown in diagram 629.2 may be placed on or near a road in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 3 below;
the advance direction sign shown in diagram 712.1, 719.3A or 729.2 when including the symbol represented in diagram 629.2 may be placed on or near a road in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 3 below; and
the sign shown in diagram 818.2 (which indicates prohibitions etc ahead) may be placed on or near a road to indicate that the prohibition indicated by the sign shown in diagram 629.2 is ahead, provided that the sign shown in diagram 629.2 has been placed in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 3 below;
notwithstanding that it does not indicate the effect of an Act of Parliament or Order etc. which prohibits or restricts the use of the road.
The circumstances referred to in paragraph 2 of this note are that the sign is on the approach to a bridge, tunnel or similar structure which limits the height of vehicles using the road, or is on the bridge etc. itself.
The opportunity has been taken to clarify direction 6(2) of the 1981 Directions by the use of a Table.