I wish I wasn't the first one needing help here!!!

[Bookworm]

As this forum open its doors, I have the very dubious honour of asking for advice on a ticket which has just landed on my doorstep.

It is alleged that I "failed to drive in the direction indicated by the arrow on a blue sign/proceeding in the wrong direction ."

The story:

Driving down one road, traffic light. At the junction, there are 4 roads, the one I'm on veers to the left and under a railway bridge, or bifurcates to the right. I indicate to turn right, (as I have done for the last 16 yrs) and wait for the light to change. As I am waiting, I notice that there is a roadsign as above on the other side under the railway bridge, and say to my passenger (the esteemed Seminole): "Have they changed the directions on this road? Is this one-way now?" (yes, I know this is not the sign for one-way system), quick check for a no-turning-right signal, nothing to be seen, as the light changes, we proceed.

Now this.

Questions: This sign that means "turn left" according to the Highway code. Shouldn't there be an advance sign like this: (Turn left ahead ) before the traffic light? Shouldn't there be a at the light?

Have I just been magisterially screwed and will have to pay up, even though I am still not convinced that I in fact did anything wrong? Is there any point in appealing?

Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

Help much appreciated.

[callumsgran]

the arrow pointing left is the signal for 'one way' driving or it was when i was learning!!

[MondeoST24]

Post it on pepipoo.com, they are the "experts"

[Bookworm]

Originally Posted by cillitbanger

the arrow pointing left is the signal for 'one way' driving or it was when i was learning!!

Nope:

is One-way traffic, is Ahead only, and is Turn left (right if symbol reversed)

from:

The Highway Code

[deemacperth]

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/02311331.gif

You just need to find out what the statutory requirements are for placement of this sign.

[deemacperth]

Have had a look and think that you could argue this under the following section.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 part 7
I'd need to see photo of the sign in relation to traffic light though, as the argument is that it isn't adequatly displayed. You normally find that that sign would be placed on the traffic light indicating that you would have to travel left. You could easily get photos of other examples to use as evidence.

[pcr1]

Also try Traffic Answers - Index - you'll get an answer fairly quickly; a few traffic cops on there plus a couple from PePiPoo.

[Rich44]

Also if the traffic flow has been changed recently there should be signage up warning you too after all how many "locals" wouldnt see the signs if theyve been driving that way for 16 years too.

I've seen the signs up where they monkey about with traffic lights saying "Priorities changed" for example

[dw190]

This is the guy you should contact with some good photos of the approach to the junction.

RMB Consulting

[Bookworm]

Thanks, everyone. I'm not usually on the receiving end of the support and help of this forum, I had forgotten how powerful the collective knowledge is.

[callumsgran]

Sorry BW i stand corrected! ive seen those signs on a road where you can only go one way

[Conniff]

So did you get this sorted BW?

[Bookworm]

Only seen this now, Conniff, sorry.

I'm afraid I just caved in and paid in the end (I know, I know!!!) I wasn't terribly confident about parking and traffic stuff at that point (still not that much, actually) and had too much going on elsewhere, so paid up. Mea Culpa *hangs head in shame*.

My punishment is that since then, every time I pass it, I feel that little knot of anger that I didn't fight it when I should have, as it is now obvious that I shouldn't have had the fine. Live and learn.