Understanding the Low Bridge Sign
Road and traffic signs such as the Low Bridge Sign are crucial to traffic safety in the United Kingdom. The UK’s uniform traffic system is included in the UK Highway Code, the standard guide for all vehicle operators in the United Kingdom. From Crossroad Signage and the No Entry Road Sign to a variety of Warning Signs, each symbol delivers vital information. For a complete breakdown, see our uk-road-signs-and-meanings directory. One such sign—the Low Bridge Sign—helps you gauge clearance and reduces the risk of costly bridge strikes.
1 - What is a low bridge sign?
The low bridge sign warns vehicle operators that they are approaching a bridge with a low-clearance. In the UK, this is on average a clearance of less than 5 meters or 16’ 6”, however, that can vary. Attempting to clear the bridge when one is driving a tall vehicle can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know the height of your vehicle, especially if you’re driving a truck, bus or RV.
If you see the low bridge sign and your vehicle exceeds the height requirement, you should have ample time to stop in a safe place and turn around. These signs are typically posted a couple of miles ahead of the bridge.
2 - Legal implications of ignoring low bridge signs
Drivers in the UK must obey the rules of the Highway Code which includes adhering to traffic signs. When the driver ignores a sign, they are being negligent. In many cases when this sign is ignored, the driver thinks they can safely make it under the bridge despite the height restriction and they take the risk. However, this can be a costly mistake if you don’t make it. A bridge strike will probably cause damage to both your vehicle and the bridge’s structure. Not to mention, you, your passengers or other could be physically harmed. Because not adhering to a Low Bridge Sign is negligent driving, you’d be liable for all damages.
3 - Locations and common areas for low bridges
All bridges in the UK with low clearance should have a low bridge sign on it. They might also be posted on the road for drivers to see a couple of miles or so ahead of the bridge. Low bridges are in many places around the UK although they are mostly on motorways or major streets.
Some UK low bridges are known worldwide because they have been struck so many times. One is the Stonea Road Bridge in Cambridgeshire which is close to the railway.
4 - Why these signs are crucial for large vehicles
Driving a high-profile vehicle requires that you take extra precautions when driving on the road. This includes knowing pertinent information about the vehicle you’re driving such as its height, width and weight. Truck drivers or others driving these tall body motor vehicles can be at risk if they don’t heed the Low Bridge warning sign. If their vehicle is too tall for the bridge clearance, they will likely hit the bridge which can lead to significant truck damage. Besides striking the bridge, vehicles have gotten stuck under the bridge which is also a costly mistake. When a vehicle is stuck under the bridge, it also hinders the flow of traffic causing traffic backups and delays.
5 - The Design of Low Bridge Signs
Although the Low-Bridge sign warns the driver of danger, it is actually an information sign. It provides pertinent information about a height restriction. Because it is an information sign, it has a rectangular shape. The Low Bridge Sign will tell you how many feet or miles you have before you get to the bridge. There is also a white circle with red trim on the sign. Inside the circle, you’ll see the height restrictions for that bridge. It is displayed in both the imperial and metric systems for universal understanding.
6 - How to recognize a low bridge sign
The Low Bridge Sign is easily recognizable because of its royal blue color. Drivers should also know it by its white trim and white lettering. This sign is often confused with the Hump Bridge Sign which warns that you are approaching a hump bridge. It is important to be able to distinguish between these two signs.
7 - Comparing it with other height restriction signs
There are numerous other signs that inform the UK driver of height restrictions. Some of these instruct the driver to move to the middle lane for clearance, such as the Arch Bridge sign. When there is a maximum headroom ahead, you’ll see a warning sign shaped like a triangle and made more noticeable with red trim. The sign will say what height is safe for clearance. Some height restriction signs are order signs such as those that prohibit tall vehicles from entering a part of a road. These types of road sign are circular in shape, trimmed in red and have the height restrictions printed on them.
You should also be aware that there are roads with width restrictions and weight limits. If your vehicle exceeds these requirements, you cannot enter this road. Depending on the road, you might be asked to pull over and request permission before proceeding.
Safe Driving Near Low Bridges
8 - Precautions For Truck And Bus Drivers
Again, know the dimensions of your truck or bus before you leave the garage. As important, be sure to review your route before you begin your trip. With modern technology, it is easy to know where low bridges are located. There are several apps that bus drivers and truckers can use to know where the low bridge are on your route before you embark on your trip. With these apps, you can more easily avoid having to contend with low bridges. However, drivers should be thankful that the Low Bridge Sign exists as these maps can sometimes miss a bridge.
If you’re not sure if your truck or bus will make it through the clearance, it is better to err on the side of caution than to be careless.
9 - Common Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
A major mistake is to not know the height of your vehicle. This information is easily found as it is typically posted on the side of the truck or bus. If you can’t find it, ask your supervisor for that information. Why is it so important? If you’re not sure of the height of your truck or bus, you might assume that you have enough clearance to pass through when you don’t.
Also, some truck or bus drivers are too confident and believe that they can get the bus through, even if they know their vehicle exceeds the height restriction. The truth is, they might have been lucky once or twice, but it is a dangerous game to play.
Another error is that some drivers think they have a little leeway with Low Bridge Signs. Here is the mindset behind that. Many experienced drivers believe that Low Bridge Signs are not fully accurate. The rumor is that they intentionally show a lower clearance for better safety control. Needless to say, this is a risky assumption that could lead to a bridge strike and the loss of one’s commercial driver’s license.
Preparing for Your Driving Test
How Low Bridge Signs Are Tested in Theory Exams
If this is your first time going for a driver’s license, you’ll have to take a two-part test which comprises a written or theory test and a road test to show that you have the basic skills to safely operate a motor vehicle.
No matter the type of driver’s license you are seeking in the UK, you will need to recognize and understand the Low Bridge Sign and its purpose. On the theory test, you might be asked to identify the Low Bridge Sign compared to other height restriction signs. You might also be shown a Low Bridge Sign and asked to choose from a list of answers the mandatory height displayed on that sign. Finally, the question might pertain to where on the bridge the Low Bridge Sign is typically posted.
Practicing For Real-life Scenarios Involving Low Bridges
Think about real-life scenarios that you might encounter when coming upon a low bridge. This will give you confidence and will help you with problem-solving. For example:
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Scenario 1: You’ve suddenly come up on a Low Bridge Sign and there is no place for you to turn around. In this case, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. Next, you should contact the local police or your dispatcher for tips or a rescue.
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Scenario 2: You might be just under the height restriction and that might give you pause. If you’re questioning whether the vehicle can safely pass through the low bridge area, pull over to the shoulder of the road and do an assessment. Then, take your time going under the low bridge. For safety reasons, turn on your hazard lights until you’ve made it to the other side.
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Scenario 3: If you’re lucky and it is safe to do so, backup the vehicle and turn around. This is the simplest but a feat, especially if you’re inexperienced. That said, don’t forget to be extremely cautious and use your backup alarm if it is available.
Conclusion: The Importance of Low Bridge Signs for Road Safety
When you’re driving and you see a Low Bridge Sign, know that there is low clearance on that bridge and it could be difficult for tall vehicles to pass underneath. If you’re driving a high-profile vehicle such as a bus or trucker, you must pay close attention to the height restrictions on Low Bridge Signs. Because, if you exceed those height restrictions, you could strike the bridge or even get stuck while trying to pass through. Low Bridge Signs improve road safety by minimizing the number of traffic accidents due to bridge strikes. Along with property damage, when a bridge is struck, traffic is delayed and if the bridge is significantly damaged, it could be closed down for quite a while. Pay attention to Low Bridge Signs, obey them and be a responsible and safe driver. To sharpen your skills, remember to Get Your UK Driving Licence and review the UK Road Narrows Sign so you’re fully prepared behind the wheel.
