Road works change a road you thought you knew: lanes move, surfaces change and people work a metre from passing traffic. The K53 sign system deals with this using temporary signs, and the test expects you to recognise them and slow down.
Yellow means temporary
A sign with a yellow background is a temporary sign, and its number starts with a T, for example TW336. The manual explains that temporary signs mean normal standards no longer apply, so you must pay more attention to the conditions ahead. They are used at road works and construction sites, crash scenes, temporary traffic control and near schools.
A temporary sign means the same as its permanent version. A yellow speed limit sign is still a speed limit.
The road works sign (TW336)
TW336 warns of temporary construction or maintenance works ahead. The action: slow down and look out for other temporary signs, people regulating the traffic and people who might be crossing the road.
Who controls traffic at road works
- STOP/GO boards (R1.5). Two signs mounted back to back. Stop when STOP faces you. When GO is shown, move off carefully if it is safe.
- Flag signals (SS2). A stop flag means stop until the proceed flag is shown. A warning flag means proceed slowly and stay alert.
- Temporary traffic lights. Obey them exactly like any other robot.
- Traffic officers. Their signals override everything else.
Driving through the works
- Obey the temporary speed limit from the sign onwards, until another sign changes it.
- Increase your following distance. Surfaces at road works are often loose, uneven or wet.
- Follow the cones and the temporary lane markings, not the old lines.
- Do not overtake in a single-lane section, and never go past a STOP board.
Test yourself
These questions come from the K53TestsOnline question bank. Choose an answer to see if you are right.
This sign tells you to be on the lookout for what?
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When you see this sign ahead of you, you must:
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