What does the curved arrow road marking mean?

ROAD markings in the UK are designed to ensure safety and to help drivers get to their destination.

Here, we look at one in particular that has baffled drivers across the country.

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What does the curved arrow road marking mean?

This arrow tells drivers who are attempting to overtake that they need to return to the left hand side of the road.

These arrows are marked shortly before solid white lines. Where there are double lines in the middle, Rule 129 of the Highway code states that drivers must not cross or straddle this. 

Double white lines are used to inform drivers of a hazard and where a continuous solid white line is present.

They prohibit drivers from overtaking as it is too hazardous to do so.

Crossing double white lines could see the driver hit with 3 penalty points on their licence and a £60 fine.

What do arrows on UK roads mean?

Arrows on UK roads are designed to give drivers instructions to what lane the need to be in.

The curved arrow sign is one of these, as it informs the driver that they most return to the right side of the road, and overtaking is forbidden.

What are the three types of arrows?

As well as the curved arrow marking, there is an ahead only arrow, and a turn left arrow on roads.

These are marked in order to inform drivers of the appropriate lane needed in order to reach their destination.

These are usually clearly marked at a junction with two or more lanes.

How many road signs are there?

There are hundreds of different types of traffic sign, split into three categories as a general rule.

Circular traffic signs give orders, triangular ones warn drivers and rectangular ones inform them.

The colours displayed on the signs convey different messages as well.

For example, blue circular signs give mandatory instructions, and those with red rings around the circumference tell drivers what not to do.