# Traffic Signs Manual/Chapter 4/2013/C

VARIATION OF NUMERALS AS PRESCRIBED BY SCHEDULE 16 TO THE REGULATIONS
| Diagram No. | Description | Item(s) in Schedule 16 | Permitted variant |
| 502 | STOP 100 yds | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 503 | GIVE WAY 50 yds | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 513.2 | Maximum speed advised | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 518 | Single file traffic (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 519 | Single track road (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 523.1 | Steep hill downwards | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 524.1 | Steep hill upwards | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 527 | Low gear for 1½ miles | 5 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 530 | Maximum headroom | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 530A | Single sign showing available headroom in both metric and imperial units | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 530.1 | Overhanging building (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 531.1 | Maximum headroom at arch bridge | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 532.2 | Maximum headroom at centre of arch bridge | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 532.2A | Maximum headroom at centre of arch bridge indicated by a sign to diagram 530A | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 532.3 | Maximum headroom at centre and side of arch bridge | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 532.3A | Maximum headroom at side and in centre of arch bridge indicated by signs to diagram 530A | 1 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 543.1 | Part time signals (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 546 | School (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.1 | Patrol (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.2 | Playground (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.3 | No footway for 400 yds | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.4 | Disabled people (when distance is added) | 6 | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.7 | Disabled children (when distance is added) | 6 ​ | Item 1 Numerals may be varied but (with the exception of one decimal place of a metre indicating a height, width or length) no fractions or decimal places shall be used. Item 5 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with distances being expressed in miles except that fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ may be used for distances of less than 3 miles. Item 6 Numerals indicating distance may be varied with: (a) distances over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile; (b) distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and (c) distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards; "yards" or the abbreviation "yds" may be used interchangeably. Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, the words "mile" or "miles" may be used as appropriate. Item 9 The indication of distance may be omitted from the sign. Item 10 The indication of distance may be replaced by an arrow pointing horizontally to the left or to the right as appropriate. |
| 547.8 | Humped crossing (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 548.1 | When lights show 200 yds | 6 |
| 553.2 | Farm trafic (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 554.3 | Ice (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 556.2 | Soft verges for 2 miles | 6 |
| 557.2 | Humps for V2 mile | 6 |
| 557.3 | Humps for 300 yards | 6 |
| 557.4 | Humps 20yds | 6, 9 |
| 558.2 | Gliders (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 563 | Accident (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 563.1 | FIRE STATION STOP when lights show (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 570 | For 2 miles | 6 |
| 572 | 400 yds | 6 |
| 573 | Distance and direction to hazard | 6, 9 |
| 583.1 | Slow lorries for 2 miles | 5 |
| 629.2 | Mandatory height restriction (imperial units) | 1 |
| 6292A | Mandatory height restriction (metric and imperial units) | 1 |
| 773 | STOP when lights show (when distanceis added) | 6 |
| 780A$^1$ | Safe height 16'-6" (5.0m) | 1 |
| 780.1A$^1$ | Safe height 16'-6" (4.7m) 150yds | 1,6,9 |
| 780.2A$^1$ | Safe height 16'-6" (4.7 m) load gauge | 1 |
| 817.2 | Escape lane ahead (when distance is added) | 6 |
| 818.1$^2$ | Dual carriageway 2 miles ahead | 6 |
| 818.3 | Mandatory height limit at low bridge ahead$^3$ | 1,6, 10 |
| 818.4 | Mandatory height limit at low bridge ahead and indication of alternative route$^4$ | 1,6 |
| 818.5 | Available headroom at low bridge ahead and indication of alternative route$^5$ | 1,6 ​ |
| 950.1 | Child cycle tests (when distance is added) | 6 |
NOTES
* The metric dimension (but not the imperial) may be omitted from diagrams 780A, 780.1A and 780.2A.
* The maximum distance permitted on diagram 818.1 is 2 miles.
* Permitted variant 1 applies to the height restriction. When permitted variant 10 applies, the word "ahead" is omitted.
* Permitted variant 1 applies to the height restriction. Permitted variant 6 applies when a distance is added.
* Permitted variant 1 applies to the available headroom. Permitted variant 6 applies when a distance is added.