Level crossing without barrier sign: what it means

Level crossing without barrier warning sign: a white triangle with a red border and a black steam locomotive
Image: Crown copyright, OGL

This sign, a steam train in a red triangle, warns of a level crossing ahead that has no gate or barrier. Look and listen for trains, and obey any lights or give way signs.

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What it means

At crossings without gates or barriers, a cross-shaped sign (the St Andrew's cross) is used at the crossing itself. At automatic crossings you must always stop when the light signals show; at crossings with give way signs, always look out for and give way to trains (Know your traffic signs).

Open crossings have no gates, barriers, attendant or traffic lights but will have a give way sign: look both ways, listen and make sure no train is coming before you cross (rule 298).

Where you see it

On the approach to level crossings without gates or barriers.

A common mistake

Thinking no barrier means no danger. Trains still use these crossings; the sign is there so you slow down and check.

Quick quiz

What does the steam train symbol tell you about the crossing ahead?

  1. It has gates or barriers
  2. It has no gates or barriers
  3. It is no longer used
Show answer

B. It has no gates or barriers. The locomotive symbol warns of a level crossing without a gate or barrier. Source: The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 298, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Compare with

Next in warning signs: Road works sign. See all warning signs or the full road signs list.

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Sources

  1. The Highway Code, rule 291, GOV.UK
  2. The Highway Code, rule 298, GOV.UK
  3. Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK
  4. Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
  5. The Highway Code: traffic signs, GOV.UK
  6. Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.