11 March 2024 , 13:02
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Getting clued up on road signs is a big part of getting your driving licence, but even the most experienced drivers can find them confusing as there are so many to keep track of.
There are several obscure road signs that motorists don't often see on their day-to-day travels, and one in particular has left people stumped. Thankfully, a driving expert has broken down exactly what it means.
The blue rectangular sign shows a car with "2+" written on it and a list of times below. Driving expert Annie Winterburn, who runs theory test practice courses and shares her tips and advice via her TikTok page @theorytestpractive, said the road sign if often dubbed "pointless" by drivers.
High occupancy vehicles (HOV lanes or carpool lanes will have signs indicating the minimum number of people required in the vehicle for it to be allowed in the lane (theorytestpractice/TikTok)The driving expert, who has gained over 7.4million likes on her page, explained: "It's a rectangle shaped sign so it's giving you information and it's telling you that there are two lanes of traffic, both travelling up the road.
"You're only allowed to drive in the left-hand lane at certain times if you have at least two people in the car. So, between Monday and Friday - between seven in the morning and nine in the morning, and between four in the afternoon and 6pm - you have to have a passenger.
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"If you don't have a passenger then you'll be fined. Cameras will be watching your car and you'll get a fine if you don't have at least two people in the car." Annie explained that these signs are commonly seen on "really, really busy" roads. She also added that she "has not seen one for years".
144 people rushed to share their thoughts in the comments. "Wow I never have seen this sign before, thank you Annie," one individual said. "I have never seen this sign in my 50 years of driving," said one individual from Lancashire.
"That's wild, but thanks for the info," added another. Another TikTok user said: "Wow! Never seen it before though."
But some said they did not understand why the signs are in place. One wrote: "That sign seems ridiculous and outdated. Why does this sign still exist?" "What a stupid rule Britain came up with," added another individual. People said they have seen the signs in Leeds, the Midlands, Birmingham, and Bristol.
An HOV (High Occupany Vehicle) lane usually permits use by all types of vehicles as long as they contain more than one occupant. In London the amount of space available on the road network generally rules out the practicality of providing HOV lanes in addition to normal running lanes, according to the Mayor of London website.
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