Temporary lane closure sign

What it means

The lane shown in red is closed ahead. The arrows show the lanes that stay open.

Each arrow is a lane. The one that bends across shows the lane that is closing and where its traffic has to go. Red marks the closed area.

Get into an open lane in good time. In slow, queuing traffic, merging in turn is recommended; do not switch lanes to overtake the queue.

Where you'll see it

Before road works on dual carriageways and motorways where one or more lanes are closed.

Rules to know

• The number and position of the arrows and red bars may be varied to show which lanes are open and closed.

  The Highway Code, Traffic signs

• The traffic lanes that remain open are available to all traffic. Red shows a lane that is closed ahead.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 151

• Where lanes are restricted due to road works, merge in turn. Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic.

  The Highway Code, Rule 288

• Merging in turn is recommended when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, such as when approaching road works, but not at high speed.

  The Highway Code, Rule 134

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Staying in the closing lane to the last moment at speed.

  Instead: Move over in good time. Merging in turn is for slow, queuing traffic, not for cutting in at high speed.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 1

What does this sign mean?

• AWarns of loose chippings on the road ahead.
• BShows the maximum speed advised, in mph, through road works.
• CA lane is closed ahead at road works
• DManual STOP/GO control at road works

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