Tram Only Sign
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What is the tram only sign?
The tram only sign is a blue circular sign with a picture of a tram and a plate with the word only written on it. You can find the sign near tram crossings and stations. It’s considered one of the most important tram signs in the highway code.
What type of sign is the tram only sign?
It’s a sign giving mandatory instructions, so you cannot drive on a tram only route. If you do enter the area, you could cause a serious accident as trams cannot change direction.
Tram only sign wIth a speed limit for tram drivers
The diamond-shaped sign with the number 30 in the middle is for tram drivers only. The 20mph speed limit sign on the left is for drivers. If you get the two signs mixed up, you could break the speed limit and fail your driving test.
Tram only sign with a no pedestrians sign
These two signs mean the route ahead is just for trams and pedestrians are prohibited from accessing the area. As you can see in the picture there’s a tram approaching and no footpath for pedestrians. Entering the area on foot could endanger your life and anyone else on the tram.
Tram only route with a junction ahead
This sign means straight ahead is a tram only route, while the junction to the right heads towards the city centre. If you’re driving and see this sign, you’ll need to turn right as the road ahead is just for trams.
The road sign combines the tram only sign with an informational sign giving directions to a junction ahead.
Criticisms of tram signage
Let’s be honest, the tram only sign is a bit confusing. To some learner drivers, it looks like a bus route sign, while to others, it’s a coach or shuttle. More could be done to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the sign and its meaning.
FAQs
Tram only road markings and changing the colour and texture of the road help with this. There’s also been some discussion around raised plinths and using physical objects such as boulevards to deter drivers and pedestrians from cutting across the tram path.