Warning Sign/Falling Rocks

Perhaps one of the most derided signs found on UK roads is the Beware Falling (or Fallen) Rocks Warning Sign. The question often asked is how exactly someone should drive to diminish the danger of falling rocks! Of course, the sign also warns of the danger of finding rocks blocking the road just around the next bend, but nevertheless it has even been mentioned in Parliament as a sign that is more roadside clutter than useful tool for drivers.

Pre-Worboys

As can be seen on the left, the Pre Worboys sign relied upon words rather than symbols to get its message across. In all cases, the plate was placed below the standard red triangle at the top of the post. Doubtless there were a number of variations on the precise wording, but 'Beware of Fallen Rock' is what this example claims. The emphasis in this case is therefore presumably that the road may be blocked, rather than that rocks are about to rain down on the car roof!

Post-Worboys

Following the Worboys Report, Warning Signs generally gained symbols within the red triangles. The Falling Rocks sign was no different, with a black wedge depicting a rock face and a number of mis-shapen black blobs filling the whites space alongside. Larger blobs appear at the bottom, giving the impression of rocks falling down the slope. The sign can be reversed, depending on which side of the road is perceived to be at risk, and normally features a plate below giving a distance that the danger is likely for.

Republic of Ireland

In Ireland, Sign W 164 Falling Rocks – which, as is standard for warning signs in that country, has a black pictogram on a yellow diamond – is used to warn of this hazard. The pictogram itself is similar to that used on the UK sign.