There are so many different road signs dotted across the UK that drivers can be forgiven for not understanding what every one means.
But one driving expert has set out on a mission to change that.
Annie Winterburn is the approved driving instructor behind the popular TikTok account @theorytestpractice – which now has over 777,000 followers and counting – and on there, she shares countless tips and tricks for learner drivers who may be struggling to pass their theory test, as well as explains the reasoning for common road rules.
Some of Annie’s recent videos have seen her explain who has priority at roundabouts, what to do about a broken down car, the rules at box junctions, and so much more – which most seasoned motorists don’t tend to think twice about, but learners often stumble over.
That isn’t quite the case for one of her most-viewed videos though, as Annie has recently explained a rule of the road that a lot of drivers will probably admit they haven’t got the foggiest about.
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So, what exactly is the deal with those ‘no return within one hour’ road signs then?
The common parking scene can often be seen attached to lampposts next to parking bays and areas right across the country, but unless it’s a place you leave your vehicle regularly, or a rule you have to adhere to on a daily basis, it’s something that a lot of us just “don’t understand”.
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In her now-viral video, Annie said she has “been asked to explain this” on many occasions.
“This sign is saying that between Monday and Saturday, you can park between eight o’clock in the morning and six o’clock at night, but only for one hour,” she explained.
“No return within one hour – that simply means that you’re not allowed to drive out of your parking space, drive around the block, and go straight back into that parking space… well, not for an hour anyway.”
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She added that drivers can park for “as long as they want” outside the hours stated on the sign.
Driving expert explains meaning of common road sign most people just ‘don’t understand’ / Credit: IPTC / Ronald Hudson
The video has racked up over 715,000 views and counting, with hundreds of people commenting that they too have “never understood” the meaning of the sign.
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.
BBC issues statement after UK forecast shows ‘hurricane force winds’ up to 14,000mph
Liam Gallagher says Oasis reunion rehearsals have begun after blatant hints at tour support acts
Danny Jones
Liam Gallagher has confirmed that rehearsals for the Oasis reunion are now underway and has been teasing the acts that could be supporting them on the tour.
The incomparable frontman has been very vocal on social media (more so than usual) ever since the talk of their comeback was actually confirmed to be real, though we’ll admit we’re still having to pinch ourselves every few days.
Nevertheless, the Oasis reunion IS happening, the tickets have gone and even a slate of North American dates have now sold out along with an Australian tour set to do exactly the same – though there has been some furore over price differences.
Although the gigs are still a little ways away, practice for summer 2025 has to start sometime and after a fan asked Gallagher a point-blank question online, he had a simple but exciting answer.
The idea of the two actually being back in the same room still feels so surreal but we’re SO glad they are.
After the pair were first snapped posing for the reunion press shots by photographer Simon Emmett, it sounds like the two are not just in each other company but now practising those songs they first played together some 20-30 years ago.
The Britpop icons and legendary rock band also announced a new special collection of the seven-inch Definitely Maybe single pressings to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’; there are only 4000 up for grabs and they come in the actual 1996 cigarette-style CD (vinyl) box.
After rehearsals are all said and done, one thing that we still don’t know for sure is who will be supporting Oasis on their reunion tour, but that hasn’t stopped the 52-year-old from having fun with some rather heavy hints.
We don’t know how blatant or serious any of these names are, or if this is just a clever red herring or two, but let’s just say we’d be happy with any of them.
Liam is very much enjoying the usual wind-up and toying with Oasis fans.
As well as Manic Street Preachers and Cast – the lattermost having already supported Liam on his Definitely Maybe anniversary tour – there seems to be a lot of debate around whether a potential Richard Ashcroft support would include the rest of The Verve, who haven’t played together since 2017.
That being said, Blossoms have been heavily linked with the tour since they were the band to break the first reunion teaser at their massive Wythenshawe Park gig; there have also been rumblings of Kasabian, The K’s, New Order, Gene Gallagher’s band Villanelle and many more.
Again, we’ve got nothing concrete yet so you’ll just have to take LG at his word – just do so with a big fistful of salt.
Right, we’ll give you three support slots: who would be your dream warm-up acts for the Oasis reunion?
Emily Sergeant -
12th October 2022 
