“why is this signed on the rear of my trailer”? is the question indeed…my point of questioning is thus,how many of your average “road users” would actually read this and understand what’s gonna happen when i turn a corner,or indeed why i take up both lanes at junctions etc,and should this area be incorparated into educating/training new drivers of all classes?andy.
It does seem a bit daft, As most car drivers can’t read road signs, and are colour blind at traffic lights. They also like to play chicken with trucks on motorways.
So your sign is poinless. 
limeyphil:
It does seem a bit daft, As most car drivers can’t read road signs, and are colour blind at traffic lights. They also like to play chicken with trucks on motorways.
So your sign is poinless.
or would that be “POINTLESS”… but much agreement in what you are saying.
It is pointless with the latest trailers. I think the sign dates back to the 70,s when specialist trailers such as 75’-80’ flats with long overhangs were used for long loads; they usually moved out at the rear when turning. I remember an accident at Leeming Bar in 70s or 80s when one of these trailer was turning off the A1, it collected a truck comming down the outside lane, the driver was killed but the mate escaped when the truck was pushed down the embankment and turned over.
I’ve often thought that when I’ve seen it on the back of a Tesco trolley, fair enough on a heavy haulage trailer where all the axles steer and it will wander but a rear steer on a normal trailor will not pose a hazard.
I dunno to be honest (I take it it’s a legal requirement), even if it is a bit pointless - lets hope it “spooks” a few numpties into giving you / us a little more room might prevent the odd accident due to this.
V8Actros:
“why is this signed on the rear of my trailer”? is the question indeed…my point of questioning is thus,how many of your average “road users” would actually read this and understand what’s gonna happen when i turn a corner,or indeed why i take up both lanes at junctions etc,and should this area be incorparated into educating/training new drivers of all classes?andy.
Well everyone here said the rigid driver was at fault when his rear end straddled a bus lane when he was turning right and hit the bus. Buses carry signs to say watch out for rear end swing. I could only guess that your sign is ‘advisory’ same as the buses, if you hit anything whilst turning, or if you straddle a lane and hit some one, then following that logic it will be your fault. I thought it was in the theory of all classes to give extra room to large vehicles that are manoevering. If bus drivers , and come to think of it other LGV drivers don’t know it then you’ve got no chance asking car drivers to give any leeway !!
I would have thought writing ’ Stay back or get squashed you pillock!’ would work better. Not that anybody would pay any attention 
The reason is it stop car drivers telephoning the police to warn of lorries with loose wheels.
car drivers don’t seem to realise what a trailer with a fixed axle is going to do never mind a bendy one.