Mystery sign
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• As a former owner-driver now involved in the enforcement of the bridge restrictions within Surrey, I find it disconcerting to have a large number of drivers appearing before magistrates pleading that they do not understand the meaning of the relevant road sign (pictured below).
I will not try to defend the reasoning behind the meaning of the sign and I will leave it up to you to reach your own conclusions as to how a magistrate views a professional driver appearing before him/her who claims to misunderstand a common road sign. However, I will attempt to explain the meaning of the sign within the relevant Act. Basically it prohibits vehicles with a maximum permitted gross/train weight (as shown on the Ministry plate/ manufacturer's plate) from using the structure or road to which the restriction applies, regardless of the actual weight of the vehicle at the time (thus saving the need to involve the vehicle in a lengthy detour to a weighbridge to ascertain its weight).
I hope that this explanation goes some way to clarifying the situation for drivers.
N Gardiner, Principal enforcement officer, Surrey County Council, Reigate, So rrey