MOTORISTS cannot identify several important road signs and are confused at what they mean, according to a survey carried out by a Bury online car dealer.

A study by JamJar Direct found that 69 per cent of motorists across Greater Manchester did not know that that a bicycle inside a red circle means no cycling, while 56 per cent of cyclists did not know this.

In addition, even as the Metrolink system continues to grow, 74 per cent of drivers did not know that a tram inside a red triangle served as a warning that trams are crossing ahead.

As part of the survey, motorists, cyclists and non-drivers were asked to identify some of the most important and prevalent road signs.

The meaning of different shapes of signs also caused confusion amongst drivers, with 80 per cent of those surveyed not knowing that a red circle on a white background tells motorists what they must not do, and a red triangle on a white background acts as a warning.

Marcus Smith, a spokesman for the firm in Warth industrial park, Warth Road, said the lack of knowledge about road signs regarding cycling was particularly worrying.

He said: "Government cycling initiatives have promoted an influx of cyclists on the road in the last 10 years, but our survey has shown road safety knowledge in the Greater Manchester is dangerously low.

"Those occupying the roads need to show awareness and look out for each other to help make the roads a safer place and prevent fatal accidents.”

Martin Key, spokesman for British Cycling, added: "All road users need to look out for each other - it’s about having mutual respect and being aware of people, whatever transport methods they choose to use.

"Nine out of 10 British Cycling members also drive a car so drivers and cyclists are often the same people."

Other findings in the survey included 69 per cent of people not knowing the sign which denotes no motor vehicles, namely a car and a motorbike inside a red circle, while 63 per cent did not know that a blue sign with the number 30 means the road has a minimum speed of 30mph.

Only six per cent of drivers knew that a white circular sign with a diagonal black line meant that the national speed limit applies.