Road signs and their meaning

sevenhills

Road unsuitable for wide vehicles, is the one that I come across.

I generally drive a VW Crafter which is quite a large van, I sometimes drive one slightly bigger. But this road sign is rectangular, so it's just giving information, so most large vehicles(non HGV) will be ok if driven with care?

Sandtree

A photo would help.

The shape of the sign itself (ie the piece of metal its printed on) is broadly irrelevant but its the shape of the painted area. So a Weak Bridge sign will often be on rectangular sheet of metal but the maximum weight is painted in a red circle so is an order. So the 18 ton limit in the below is non-negotiable despite the overall sign being rectangular 

AdrianC

What is the width on the restriction?
What is the width of your van?

When you know those two pieces of information, I'm sure you're capable of comparing the two numbers and determining which one is larger.

If the van is wider than the restriction, you should not use that road.

Yes, it's "unsuitable". No, that's not an actual legally enforceable restriction. But don't complain if you get stuck or scrape your van. You were warned. And, yes, if you damage whatever you scrape the van on, it's your fault.

Assuming you're driving this van for work, are you really asking us how to do your job properly and responsibly?

sevenhills

Sandtree said:

A photo would help.

The is no width sign, so it's just a sign giving information.

https://roadsignsdirect.co.uk/tsrgd/road-unsuitable-wide-vehicles-820

sevenhills

AdrianC said:

Assuming you're driving this van for work, are you really asking us how to do your job properly and responsibly?

Lots of brighter people than me out there and I do enjoy creating a discussion that can help others learn.

AdrianC

If there's no number given, then assume it means over-width, so wider than 2.55m.

A Crafter is nowhere near that wide. A gnat's over 2m, mirrors excluded.

But just consider that it's going to be a narrow road... If you need to use it for access, do so carefully. If you don't, then use a different route.

jimbo6977

Part of my regular commute used to involve a road with one of these 
https://roadsignsdirect.co.uk/tsrgd/road-unsuitable-motor-vehicles-820
at either end. 

The road is properly tarmac'ed and marked, but it's single track and what looks like verges are actually 2ft deep ditches, so you have to hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way.