
Drivers had no idea real meaning behind two lines on kerb
A driving instructor has clarified the meaning of two lines on a kerb that many drivers did not know about, and it appears some had no idea they even existed
Double yellow lines on the road mean you can drop someone off or pick them up, but a single line means that you can't stop at all
(Image: kelly bowden via Getty Images)
Even the most experienced drivers sometimes encounter a symbol or road marking that leaves them completely puzzled. This is particularly true for numerous motorists who have only recently learnt the actual meaning behind a certain road marking - one that some say they had misunderstood entirely, this was ahead of three major changes planned to driving rules
Driving instructor Annie Winterburn, from Spot On Driving, posted a video on TikTok designed to explain road markings that regularly appear in theory tests.
In one segment, she highlighted that "so many people are getting mixed up" with a particular kerbside marking featuring two lines. There are other rules about driving that drivers need to know or risk a £1,000 fine
Annie explained: "Yellow lines on the road mean no waiting. Waiting is the same as parking."
"So when you see two yellow lines painted on the road you can stop to drop somebody off, you can stop to pick somebody up, but you're not allowed to wait there. You're not allowed to park there." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Regarding red lines, Annie disclosed these indicate a total ban on stopping: "It would be a red route. It might be somewhere like London or Birmingham."
However, the genuine confusion occurs with lines painted on kerbs, which actually have nothing to do with regular drivers, reports the Mirror.
These markings are loading indicators designed for delivery vehicles, as the motoring expert explained: "They are for people making deliveries.
"These are loading lines. So people who might want to stop their van or their lorry to deliver something or collect something."
The Highway Code states clearly that double kerb lines indicate a total ban on loading and unloading, while a single line means restrictions are only in force during certain hours.
Many drivers had no idea that these markings applied exclusively to loading and unloading activities, rather than standard parking or driving.
One person showed their gratitude for the clarification, saying: "Wonderful. I thought that was for car drivers... thanks for clarifying that."
Article continues below
Another motorist, who has been behind the wheel for four decades, found the information useful, saying: "Always helpful, I've been driving for 40 years and I'm still learning the theory aspect."
A third person commented: "I never knew about the load/unloading lorries markings. Thank you."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Half of drivers motor along for longer than three hours leading to accidents & near misses
HALF of drivers have been found to push on for three hours or more without stopping, according to a recent poll. This is despite advise from the Highway Code that drivers should take breaks before reaching this time. 2 The Highway Code advise drivers take a 15-minute break every two hours, but the poll of 2,000 motorists found 55 per cent didn't know about this official guidance. Nearly one in two (47 per cent) admit they simply keep going because they're desperate to reach their destination faster. But 13 per cent have had a near miss after once fatigue set in, and six per cent have been involved in a crash due to drowsiness. The research was commissioned by GRIDSERVE to encourage drivers to pause and relax during their drives this summer. The findings also found those driving electric cars are the most clued up on the guidelines from the Highway Code - as 63 per cent are aware of the 15-minute break suggestion. Whereas 46 per cent of petrol drivers and 44 per cent of diesel motorists knew this. Daniel Kunkel, CEO of the EV charging company, added: "We want everyone to enjoy their journey safely, and it's promising to see that EV drivers are leading the way when it comes to taking adequate breaks. "EV drivers' natural stopping patterns help avoid the dangers that come with the lack of breaks taken. "Taking breaks along road journeys doesn't have to feel like a chore. "There are various facilities available alongside motorways, with access to food, drinks, and entertainment. Drivers targeted with toll fine text message after cruising on highways - but three words reveal red flag "Our forecourts offer a place for all drivers to not only recharge their vehicles but also themselves." But overall, 36 per cent don't see the point in stopping unless they actually feel tired, while 34 per cent are determined to finish their journey before it gets dark. With 55 per cent of motorists planning a long journey in the next month, 39 per cent would be more likely to take breaks if the stop-off points were a bit more relaxing. Scenic spots could do the trick for 34 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, while a quarter long for peace and quiet with no noise at all. When it comes to enjoying their breaks from long drives, EV drivers appreciate these the most (30 per cent), compared to 19 per cent of petrol drivers and 14 per cent diesel drivers. Road safety expert, Graham Feest, said: "The two-hour mark is when fatigue can start to seriously impact concentration, reaction times, and awareness. "Even if you don't feel tired, your brain is working harder to stay focused, especially on long, monotonous stretches of road. "That creeping tiredness can lead to missed signs, slower responses, or even micro-sleeps behind the wheel. "A short 15-minute stop is the sweet spot, as it gives your mind and body enough time to reset without breaking the flow of your journey. "Stretching your legs, getting some fresh air, or having a quick snack or drink can make all the difference. It's not just about comfort, it's about arriving safely."


Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers resting arm on window could be fined £5,000 in major crackdown
Hanging an arm out of a car's open window might be an enjoyable experience for many drivers, but they could be hauled before the courts and landed with a fine of up to £5,000 Drivers have been warned that a common heatwave practice could result in them being slapped with a £5,000 penalty as part of an ongoing crackdown. Countless motorists relish dangling their arm outside a car 's open window whilst driving, especially during balmy summer periods. The refreshing sensation of air against the skin provides a delightful experience typically linked with carefree sunny journeys. However, motoring specialists are cautioning how this apparently harmless behaviour could lead to a driver being charged with 'not being in proper control of the vehicle' or even 'careless driving'. In other news, anyone buying fuel this week given '£15 charge' warning by The AA. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, states a penalty could reach up to £5,000 if challenged in court whilst drivers could also face a fine of up to 9 points, reports Birmingham Live. In the most severe instances there's also the possibility of a driving ban. Mr Conway explains: "Resting an arm out of the window while driving might seem like an innocent act, but it's one that motorists should avoid. Rule 160 of the Highway Code says you must 'drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times." He added: "If you're resting an arm outside the vehicle with only one hand on the wheel, the police can argue that you're not in full control, especially if you need to react quickly. The law would take an extremely dim view of the habit if you're seen to be moving erratically in your lane. It can also be perceived as a safety hazard for other road users, including cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians." The offence of not being in proper control of a vehicle falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It covers a multitude of potential actions, including drinking or eating at the wheel, smoking or vaping while driving, or being distracted by your car's infotainment system. It typically attracts a £100 fine and three penalty points, with more serious cases going to court and seeing larger fines. Select Car Leasing's Mr Conway adds: "Doing anything that impedes your ability to control a car safely could see you being stopped by the police." "That includes other 'innocent' gestures like turning to talk to passengers, leaning down to grab something from the glove box, or even turning around to place an item on the back seat."


Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Driving rule change for over-70s 'should be for everyone'
A motoring organisation believes all drivers should be tested, not just those aged 70 or over. A road safety and breakdown organisation has backed proposals to overhaul UK driver eyesight regulations, though it argues the changes should encompass all motorists. GEM Motoring Assist said it had long championed reforms to these regulations and has branded the suggestions for mandatory eyesight examinations as 'long overdue'. Nevertheless, the road safety organisation maintains that all drivers should undergo testing, not merely those aged 70 or over. GEM is also calling on the government to roll out an ambitious, world-class communications strategy alongside any legislative amendments. GEM's head of road safety James Luckhurst said: "Regular eyesight tests would help protect all road users by identifying visual impairments that could compromise safe driving. For too long we have relied on self-reporting of eyesight problems, and we welcome the prospect of this welcome shift toward proactive safety enforcement. "Too many people – and not just those aged 70 or over – are driving with defective eyesight that has deteriorated to a dangerous level. To reduce this risk, we want all licence holders to undergo a professional eye examination every two years as a matter of individual responsibility and public safety. "We believe that reform to driver eyesight rules shows a commitment to making the roads safer for everyone and has nothing to do with unfairly targeting people because of their age, or seeking to restrict anyone's freedom. Mandatory eye tests are essential for everyone's safety. "Let's also ensure that details of these updates reach road users who don't currently see road safety as relevant to them and bring the public on board to help change minds and behaviours which ultimately save lives. We need to ensure the communication mistakes made at the introduction of the Highway Code 'hierarchy of road users' in 2022 are not repeated." The UK is also among just three European nations that depend on self-declaration of vision issues that impact driving ability, prompting ministers to weigh up mandatory sight examinations every three years for motorists over 70 and driving bans for those who don't pass. Government officials are mulling over reducing the drink-drive threshold in England and Wales and bringing in compulsory vision checks for elderly drivers, The Times reported. The suggestions, due to be released as part of a road safety blueprint this autumn, also feature stricter punishments for driving without insurance and not buckling up. Additional recommendations are said to encompass permitting police to pursue drug-driving charges based on roadside saliva testing instead of blood analysis, as growing numbers of motorists are being nabbed with substances in their systems. A Labour insider said: "At the end of the last Labour government, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was at a record low, but numbers have remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments. In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2 billion per year." They continued: "This Labour Government will deliver the first road safety strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads." Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her backing for the plans, arguing that the concerns of families who have suffered loss due to a collision must be considered. Speaking to the BBC, she said: "I understand the concerns of all sides. I remember a few years ago hearing from a father of a young boy whose wife was killed by a driver who had poor eyesight. And so the devastation of those families also needs to be taken into account. "So what I'm not here to do is criticise every single thing the Government is doing. I haven't looked in full detail at these plans, but bottom line, you want drivers who are on the road to be able to see, and if they can't see, then they shouldn't be on the road."