Seen around junction 27 on the M25 over the easter weekend were a number of yellow contractors signs referring to "vehicles wider than 2.9 metres". I have written to the highways agency about the signs and will post their reply in due course. Meantime could anyone who sees these signs post the time of the sighting here especially if they have been replaced.

I have seen some of these (yellow and black) signs for several months. They've been used on both the M25 and M11 during road repairs. Some of the signs actually say: 2.9m (9' 6") whilst others have said: 9' 6" (2.9m).

There is not a precise precedent for them in the Road Traffic Regulations and General Directions (so far as I am aware) though it could be argued that since virtually every traffic sign must be in Imperial only then so should these.

Tony Bennett

I have finally received a reply from the Highways Agency (after a reminder was sent). The works were completed on 5th May and the site manager cannot recall the signs in question which must have been erected by a contractor. The managing agents, Mouchel Consulting Limited, have been spoken to by the Agency who re-emphasised that the correct signing must be under taken when works are in progress.

The letter also stated: "Signs showing metres on them are sometimes used for the benefit of overseas drivers where there are width or length concerns, although under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 Act, they must show imperial units also."

As all the signs that I saw were in metres one wonders firstly why overseas drivers are given precedence over domestic drivers and also do other countries give such consideration to UK drivers in this way and show restrictions in feet and inches. I suspect not.