No pedestrians sign: what it means
The no pedestrians sign means people on foot must not go past the sign. It is used where walking would be dangerous.
What does the no pedestrians sign mean?
A red ring or red circle means something you must not do. Know your traffic signs lists it as “no pedestrians” among the regulatory signs.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- People on foot must not go past here.
- People may be walking in the road ahead.
- Riding a bicycle is not allowed.
Show answer
A. People on foot must not go past here. A red circle with a walking person means no pedestrians (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: regulatory signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 6, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At the start of busy roads, slip roads, tunnels and some bridges with no footway.
What should you do?
On foot: find another route. Drivers: the sign does not mean you can relax; still look out for anyone in the road.
What do people get wrong?
Reading it as a pedestrian crossing warning. That is a red triangle with a person on stripes. A red circle with a walking person bans pedestrians.
Common questions
Can pedestrians walk on a motorway?
No. The Highway Code says pedestrians must not be on motorways or their slip roads except in an emergency (rule 6).
What is the difference between no pedestrians and pedestrians in road?
No pedestrians is an order in a red circle. Pedestrians in road is a warning triangle that people may be walking in the road ahead.
Compare with
Pedestrians in road signPeople may be walking in the road ahead.
No cycling signRiding a bicycle is not allowed.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (regulatory signs) and The Highway Code rule 6.
- Know your traffic signs: regulatory signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 6, GOV.UK
- 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.