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QuayUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

10. Quay

A quay is a constructed area beside a river, canal, harbour or other body of water, commonly used for loading, unloading, mooring vessels or providing waterside access. A road may run alongside the water or lead directly towards the quay edge.

In road traffic, a quay warning indicates a risk that a vehicle could leave the road and enter the water. Drivers should reduce speed, observe the road layout carefully and keep a safe distance from the waterside edge.

Quay
Quay warning sign on the approach to the Kylerhea Ferry slipway. (Glenelg, Scotland, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • John Allan • CC BY-SA
What should I watch for near a quay or waterside road in the United Kingdom?

In Great Britain, the traffic-sign guide distinguishes a quayside or river bank warning from an opening bridge or ferry indication. The warning concerns the risk beside water, not permission to drive onto a ferry or dock.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,125–126; parking Rules 242–243

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Warning for a quayside or riverbank. Warning for a quayside or riverbank.

English • GB diagram 555 • Quayside or river bank. An unprotected quayside or river bank is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs

SVG source: UK Government • Public domain • Original revision 2014-07-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

How should I choose a safe speed beside water in the United Kingdom?

Use the applicable road or local speed limit and slow further for the foreseeable waterside danger. A hazard warning is not a promise that driving at the maximum is safe. Keep enough visibility and control to avoid the edge, pedestrians, loading activity or a blocked route.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,125–126; parking Rules 242–243

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

Does a quay warning allow me to enter or park beside the water in the United Kingdom?

Check the actual access and parking restrictions, including any port or dock controls. A waterside warning does not provide permission to enter a restricted facility or park on the edge. Keep the required passage clear and use a permitted place without endangering traffic or people beside the water.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 109,125–126; parking Rules 242–243

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...