Road signs: they’re there for a reason. But, after passing the driving test, how many motorists can remember what they all mean?
According to a new survey, 90 per cent of British drivers say they find road signs confusing, with an alarming third unable even to recognise the national speed limit.
The research, which was commissioned by car finance expert Zuto, marks 60 years since the introduction of standardised road signs in the UK and has revealed that confusion at the wheel is rife.
Almost half of drivers believe that there are too many signs on the road, with one in 20 admitting they’ve made driving mistakes due to confusing road signals. As a result, the government is setting up a new a new taskforce to review the current state of road signs and decide on a potential roadside cull.
Almost one in ten drivers surveyed said they found the ‘men at work’ road sign sexist and that it was due a makeover. Results also showed that more than four million UK drivers don’t understand the ‘level crossing without a barrier’ sign.
James Wilkinson, CEO of Zuto, said: “At Zuto we’re all about making drivers feel confident getting on the road and we were curious to dig deep and find out what made motorists unconfident when they get behind the wheel.?
“As the research has shown, I’m sure every motorist can relate to being baffled by road signs at some point and, after 60 years serving the UK roads, perhaps it’s time for some signs to enter retirement.”?
The research also revealed that one in four motorists don’t recognise the ‘Cars and Motorbikes Prohibited’ sign, with 13 per cent incorrectly believing the exact opposite of the sign’s meaning – that cars and motorbikes are allowed.?
But Britain’s most confusing sign is one only half of all motorists recognise: the bizarre sign for ‘no vehicles carrying explosives’.
Photo: Fotolia
