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Traffic sign outside B&Q in Maidstone leaves drivers stumped

10:45, 10 October 2023

updated: 11:23, 10 October 2023

Drivers have been left puzzled by a “ funny” road sign outside an exit to a B&Q store car park.

The sign at the B&Q in Barker Road, Maidstone, does not appear on any Highways Code list of signs.

The mystery sign outside B&Q in Maidstone
The mystery sign outside B&Q in Maidstone

KentOnline asked a member of staff at the DIY store what it meant, but they weren’t able to tell us. Kent Highways department said it was not a recognised British roadsign.

Motorists travelling along Barker Road have already had a welter of new signs to deal with, thanks to the new one-way system imposed in Hart Street.

A circular sign with a red border is usually a prohibition sign.

If it were just the red border, without the line across it, it would mean “No vehicles except for bicycles”.

But the bar usually indicates the prohibition of the thing crossed out – as in red bar across a right arrow direction would indicate “No Right Turn”.

A ‘No Right Turn’ sign further along Barker Road
A ‘No Right Turn’ sign further along Barker Road

Logic would suggest then that this new sign with a bar means no ‘No vehicles’ – ie vehicles welcome, or perhaps it means “No White Space”.

On the other side of the gateway is a standard no entry sign.

The sign has prompted speculation on social media with many possible explanations being offered.

Bridget Harvey from Marden suggested it meant: “Don't do anything! or 'Everything prohibited!”

There's a no entry side on the other entrance to the car park
There's a no entry side on the other entrance to the car park

Mike Oliver from Fant said: “I think it's funny. The sign is clearly not made by the highways people.”

“It looks homemade and it's outside a DIY store!”

Andrew Conner from Chatham suggested: “Maybe it means No Signs Permitted!”

B&Q has been contacted for comment

What do you think it means? Let us know in the comments section below.

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