Overview
- Several UK news outlets, which published fresh explainers Wednesday, reminded motorists that two near‑identical blue‑circle signs carry different rules.
- A red cross inside a blue circle marks a 24‑hour clearway where stopping is banned on the main carriageway, slip roads and acceleration or deceleration lanes, though you may stop in a lay‑by unless signs say otherwise.
- A blue circle with a single diagonal red line means no waiting, so very short stops to pick up or drop off passengers are allowed but waiting or parking during posted times can result in a fine.
- Driving schools note that no waiting areas often pair with a single yellow line and a time plate, while an insurance spokesperson cautions that errors can lead to penalties, licence points or crashes.
- The coverage directs drivers to the Highway Code and the 172‑page Know Your Traffic Signs, which also explains that the no waiting symbol can mark controlled parking or pay‑and‑display zones with local conditions.