SlopeUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
11. Slope
A slope is a section of road that rises or descends noticeably. A steep slope can affect vehicle speed, braking distance, traction, visibility and the ability of heavy or low-powered vehicles to maintain a steady speed.
Warning signs may indicate a steep ascent or dangerous descent and may show the gradient as a percentage. Drivers should adjust their speed early, select a suitable gear and remain prepared for slow vehicles, bends and changing road conditions.
Wikimedia.org • grumpylumixuser • CC BY
What does a steep-slope warning mean in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, steep-hill warnings and their gradient information warn of a hazard. The Highway Code also warns against coasting because it reduces vehicle control and engine braking. Northern Ireland has its own Highway Code.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 122,125–126,155–156; steep-hill warnings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)
Warning for a steep ascent.
English • GB diagram 524.1 • Steep hill upwards. A steep uphill gradient is ahead; the example shows 20%.
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 2011-11-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a steep descent.
English • GB diagram 523.1 • Steep hill downwards. A steep downhill gradient is ahead; the example shows 10%. Select a suitable gear and control your speed.
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 2019-05-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.
How should I approach a steep descent in the United Kingdom?
Reduce speed before the descent and select a suitable gear to help control the vehicle. Keep enough following distance and avoid building up speed that requires continuous heavy braking. A warning gives no fixed safe descent speed: the gradient, surface, visibility, load and vehicle can require a speed well below the legal maximum.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 122,125–126,155–156; steep-hill warnings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)
What should I check when meeting or overtaking on a slope in the United Kingdom?
On a single-track road, the Highway Code advises giving way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. Use passing places and reverse to one if necessary; do not park in a passing place or assume that a hill warning overrides a priority sign.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 122,125–126,155–156; steep-hill warnings
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: warning signs (Great Britain)
