Product Description

Motor Gate Ahead – W317 Road Sign

The W317 Motor Gate Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers and other road users that a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway ahead.

The sign is part of the South African motor-gate warning-sign group and is useful where a powered or automated gate can affect the movement of traffic through the roadway ahead.

W317 gives approaching drivers advance information about the motor gate so they can become more alert, watch for the access-control point and respond appropriately to the conditions ahead.

What Does the W317 Road Sign Mean?

W317 means Motor Gate Ahead. It warns road users that a motor gate is located in the centre of the roadway ahead.

W317 is a warning sign. It does not itself impose a speed limit or automatically require drivers to stop. Drivers must respond to the actual conditions at the gate and obey any applicable traffic signs, signals, access-control instructions and road rules.

What Is a Motor Gate?

A motor gate is a powered or automated gate used to control vehicle access to a property, facility or restricted area.

Motor gates can be found at residential estates, farms, commercial properties, industrial facilities, business parks, lodges, private developments and other controlled-access locations.

W317 does not indicate how the gate operates. Its purpose is to warn that the motor gate is positioned centrally in the approaching roadway.

Why Is the W317 Warning Sign Important?

A centrally positioned motor gate can affect the normal movement of vehicles through the roadway. Drivers may need to slow down, stop, wait for the gate to open or follow a specific access route.

In some locations, the gate may also be difficult to see from a sufficient distance because of road alignment, buildings, vegetation, walls or other structures.

W317 gives drivers advance warning that a motor gate is ahead and that traffic movement may be controlled at that point.

Where Is W317 Used?

W317 may be appropriate where a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway and advance warning is justified.

Potential locations include:

• Controlled-access roads
• Residential estate entrances
• Security-controlled developments
• Farm access roads
• Commercial properties
• Industrial facilities
• Business parks
• Game farms and lodges
• Private facilities
• Restricted-access sites

The road layout, gate position, visibility and traffic conditions should be considered when determining whether W317 is appropriate.

W317 Motor Gate Ahead in the Centre of the Roadway

W317 is specifically used when the motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway.

This distinguishes W317 from the related signs:

• W315: Motor Gate Ahead on Right
• W316: Motor Gate Ahead on Left
• W317: Motor Gate Ahead in Centre of Roadway

The selected sign should match the actual position of the motor gate.

W317 vs W315

W315 warns of a motor gate ahead on the right side of the roadway.

W317 warns of a motor gate positioned centrally in the roadway.

The directional distinction is important because the physical location of the gate affects how approaching drivers understand the access arrangement.

W317 vs W316

W316 is used for a motor gate on the left side of the roadway, while W317 is used when the gate is centrally positioned.

The correct warning sign should correspond to the actual layout of the gate and roadway.

W317 vs W314 Gate Ahead

W314 Gate Ahead and W317 Motor Gate Ahead are related but communicate different conditions.

W314 is the general Gate warning sign and can also be used where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers.

W317 specifically warns of a motor gate positioned centrally in the roadway.

W317 and W327 One Vehicle Width Structure

Where the motor gate does not extend across the full width of the roadway, the SARTSM states that consideration should be given to using the W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warning sign instead of, or in addition to, W315, W316 or W317.

Where W327 is used in addition to a Motor Gate warning sign, it should be located a distance of V metres in advance of the Motor Gate sign, where V is the operating speed in kilometres per hour.

This can be important where the physical gate arrangement creates a narrow passage through which vehicles must travel.

When Should W317 Be Used?

W317 should be considered where a motor gate is centrally located in the roadway and represents a condition that approaching road users should be warned about.

Warning signs should be relevant to the actual road environment. Where the gate is clearly visible and its presence can easily be appreciated by approaching drivers, a warning sign may not be necessary.

W317 Sign Placement

W317 should be displayed in advance of the motor-gate hazard.

The SARTSM states that W315, W316 and W317 should be located in advance of the hazard and should be of an appropriate size and at a distance as given in Table 3.1.

The actual placement therefore depends on factors such as the operating speed, road alignment, visibility and location of the motor gate.

W317 and Sign Visibility

The warning sign should be positioned where approaching drivers can clearly see and recognise it before reaching the gate.

Visibility can be affected by:

• Road bends
• Hills and crests
• Trees and vegetation
• Walls and buildings
• Security structures
• Advertising boards
• Other roadside signs
• Parked vehicles

Where visibility is restricted, the sign position should be carefully selected to provide suitable advance warning.

How Should Drivers Respond to a W317 Sign?

Drivers approaching W317 should become more alert to the possibility of a centrally positioned motor gate ahead.

Drivers should:

• Watch for the motor gate ahead.
• Reduce speed where appropriate for the road and traffic conditions.
• Be prepared to stop if the gate is closed.
• Watch for vehicles entering or leaving the controlled property.
• Follow any access-control instructions.
• Allow sufficient space from vehicles ahead.
• Remain alert for pedestrians and other road users near the entrance.
• Proceed only when the route is open and it is safe and lawful to continue.

W317 Does Not Mean Drivers Must Stop

W317 is an advance warning sign and does not itself require every driver to stop.

Drivers must respond to the actual gate condition and obey any separate traffic-control or access-control instruction that requires a stop.

If the gate is closed, drivers should not attempt to proceed through it or around it in a way that creates a hazard.

W317 Does Not Set a Speed Limit

W317 does not establish a particular speed limit.

Where a regulatory speed limit applies, it must be indicated separately by the appropriate speed-limit sign.

Drivers should also adjust speed according to visibility, road layout, traffic conditions and the operation of the motor gate.

W317 at Security Gates

Motor gates are commonly used as part of security and vehicle-access systems.

They may be installed at residential estates, office parks, commercial properties, industrial facilities, farms and other controlled developments.

Where the motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway and advance warning is appropriate, W317 may be used to identify the gate ahead.

W317 at Residential Estates

Residential estates often use central entrance gates to manage access for residents, visitors, delivery vehicles and contractors.

Where an entrance gate occupies the centre of the roadway, W317 may form part of an appropriate traffic-management arrangement where advance warning is justified.

Other entrance signs may be used to provide visitor instructions, security information, speed restrictions or access-control directions.

W317 at Commercial and Industrial Properties

Commercial and industrial properties may use central motor gates to control access for employees, customers, delivery vehicles and contractors.

Vehicles approaching the gate may need to slow down or stop while access is checked or the gate opens.

W317 provides advance information about the centrally located gate so approaching drivers can prepare for the access point.

W317 at Farms and Rural Properties

Farms and rural properties may use motor gates at controlled entrances or internal access roads.

Where a motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway and its location represents a relevant warning condition, W317 may be considered.

The suitability of the sign should be determined according to the actual access arrangement and road environment.

W317 at Game Farms and Lodges

Game farms, lodges and private wildlife properties may use automated gates to manage visitor and service-vehicle access.

W317 may be relevant where the gate is centrally positioned on the access roadway.

Where wildlife can also enter the roadway, separate wildlife warning signs may be appropriate depending on the conditions at the site.

W317 and Narrow Gate Openings

A centrally positioned motor gate does not necessarily mean that the full roadway is blocked by the gate.

Where the gate does not extend across the full width of the roadway and the remaining opening creates a one-vehicle-width passage, the W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warning sign should be considered instead of, or together with, W317 as appropriate.

The final arrangement should reflect the actual physical layout of the gate and roadway.

W317 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent W317 warning sign follows the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Motor-gate symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: White retroreflective

Unlike W315 and W316, the W317 symbol does not use a left or right directional arrow because the motor gate is positioned centrally in the roadway.

Temporary Motor Gate Sign – TW317

The temporary version of W317 is designated TW317.

The SARTSM states that temporary versions of W315, W316 and W317 are unlikely to be used, but where required they should be numbered and referred to as TW315, TW316 and TW317.

Where TW317 is required, it should be used in accordance with the applicable temporary warning-sign and traffic-management requirements.

Temporary W317 Sign Colours

The temporary warning-sign colour arrangement uses:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Motor-gate symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: Yellow retroreflective

This distinguishes a temporary warning sign from the permanent white-background version.

Retroreflective W317 Signs

Retroreflective materials help warning signs remain visible when illuminated by vehicle headlights, particularly during lower-light conditions.

For public-road applications, W317 should be manufactured according to the applicable requirements for dimensions, symbols, colours, retroreflectivity and installation.

W317 Sign Maintenance

A motor-gate warning sign should remain clear, legible and visible to approaching drivers.

Routine checks can identify issues such as:

• Faded sign faces
• Physical damage
• Loose mounting hardware
• Vegetation covering the sign
• Obstructions from other signs or structures
• Reduced retroreflective performance

Good maintenance helps preserve the visibility and usefulness of the warning sign.

W317 Sign Size

The correct size of a W317 sign depends on the road environment and the applicable road traffic sign requirements.

The SARTSM provides warning-sign sizes and placement guidance through Table 3.1 and the related dimensional specifications.

For public-road installations, the appropriate size should be selected according to the applicable standard and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

W317 on Public Roads in South Africa

The W317 Motor Gate Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.

For public-road use, the selection, design, size, placement, materials and installation of W317 should comply with the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

W317 on Private Roads and Properties

Similar motor-gate warning signage may also be used on private roads and controlled properties such as:

• Residential estates
• Farms
• Game farms
• Lodges
• Business parks
• Industrial properties
• Commercial sites
• Private facilities
• Security-controlled developments
• Private access roads

On private property, the warning can form part of an internal traffic-management system designed around the site's access and security arrangements.

W317 and Access-Control Systems

Modern motor gates can be integrated with access-control systems such as remote controls, keypads, intercoms, card readers, security checkpoints and vehicle-recognition systems.

W317 does not provide instructions for operating these systems. It simply warns that a centrally positioned motor gate is ahead.

Any additional instructions for visitors, deliveries, staff or contractors should be communicated through suitable information or regulatory signs.

W317 and Traffic Queues

Controlled gates can sometimes cause vehicles to slow down or queue, particularly during busy entry or exit periods.

Where this occurs, drivers should remain alert to stopped or slow-moving vehicles near the gate.

Additional traffic-management measures may be needed where queuing regularly affects the roadway.

Who May Need W317 Motor Gate Signs?

W317 signage may be relevant to:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Property developers
• Residential estates
• Security-controlled developments
• Commercial property managers
• Industrial property managers
• Farm owners
• Game farms
• Lodges
• Road construction contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Road maintenance contractors
• Private facility managers

Benefits of Motor Gate Ahead Warning Signs

• Warns drivers that a motor gate is ahead.
• Identifies a centrally positioned gate on the roadway.
• Provides advance information before a controlled-access point.
• Can help drivers prepare to slow down or stop if required.
• Can draw attention to vehicles entering or leaving the property.
• Can support traffic management at controlled entrances.
• Can be used with other traffic-management signs where appropriate.
• Can form part of a wider access-control and road-management arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions About W317 Road Signs

What does W317 mean?

W317 means Motor Gate Ahead. It warns that a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway ahead.

Is W317 a warning sign?

Yes. W317 is a warning sign in the South African road traffic sign system.

What is a motor gate?

A motor gate is a powered or automated gate used to control vehicle access to a property or facility.

Where is W317 used?

It is used where a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway and advance warning is appropriate.

Does W317 mean the gate is closed?

No. The sign warns that a motor gate is ahead. The gate may be open or closed when the driver reaches it.

Does W317 mean I must stop?

No. W317 itself is a warning sign. Drivers must stop when the gate is closed or when another applicable control requires them to stop.

Does W317 impose a speed limit?

No. W317 does not establish a speed limit.

What is the difference between W315 and W317?

W315 warns of a motor gate on the right, while W317 warns of a motor gate in the centre of the roadway.

What is the difference between W316 and W317?

W316 warns of a motor gate on the left, while W317 warns of a motor gate in the centre.

What is the difference between W317 and W314?

W317 specifically warns of a centrally positioned motor gate, while W314 is the general Gate warning and also applies to certain gated railway crossings.

What is W327?

W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warns of a structure or opening that may provide only one vehicle width.

When should W327 be considered with W317?

Where the motor gate does not extend over the full width of the roadway, W327 may be considered instead of, or in addition to, W317.

How far in advance should W327 be placed when used with W317?

Where W327 is used with a Motor Gate sign, the SARTSM specifies a distance of V metres in advance, where V is the operating speed in km/h.

Is there a temporary W317 sign?

Yes. The temporary version is designated TW317, although the SARTSM states that temporary W317 is unlikely to be used.

What colours does a permanent W317 sign use?

The permanent sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt motor-gate symbol and white retroreflective background.

What colours does TW317 use?

The temporary version uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background.

Can W317 be used at a security gate?

Yes. Similar motor-gate warning signage may be appropriate at controlled entrances where the gate is centrally positioned in the roadway.

Can W317 be used at a residential estate?

Yes. It may form part of an estate's internal traffic-management arrangement where a central motor gate is present.

Can W317 be used at a farm?

Yes. Similar warning signage may be used where a motor gate at a farm entrance is centrally positioned and advance warning is appropriate.

Can W317 be used at a business park or industrial site?

Yes. It may be used as part of an appropriate access-control and traffic-management arrangement where a central motor gate affects vehicle movement.

Can Signs4SA supply W317 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W317 Motor Gate Ahead signs and other warning, access-control and traffic-management signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order W317 Motor Gate Ahead Signs

Need W317 Motor Gate Ahead signs for a residential estate, farm, security entrance, business park, industrial property, commercial site or traffic-management project?

Contact Signs4SA with your required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation details to request a quotation.

One important feature of Motor gate ahead signs is their high visibility. These signs are designed to be easily seen by drivers, even from a distance and in adverse weather conditions. Many Motor gate ahead signs are also designed with reflective materials that make them visible at night.

Another important feature of Motor gate ahead signs is their durability. Road signs are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. As such, they need to be made from materials that can withstand these conditions and remain in good condition for years to come.

More About Motor gate ahead

Motor Gate Ahead – W317 Road Sign

The W317 Motor Gate Ahead road sign is a warning sign used to alert drivers and other road users that a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway ahead.

The sign is part of the South African motor-gate warning-sign group and is useful where a powered or automated gate can affect the movement of traffic through the roadway ahead.

W317 gives approaching drivers advance information about the motor gate so they can become more alert, watch for the access-control point and respond appropriately to the conditions ahead.

What Does the W317 Road Sign Mean?

W317 means Motor Gate Ahead. It warns road users that a motor gate is located in the centre of the roadway ahead.

W317 is a warning sign. It does not itself impose a speed limit or automatically require drivers to stop. Drivers must respond to the actual conditions at the gate and obey any applicable traffic signs, signals, access-control instructions and road rules.

What Is a Motor Gate?

A motor gate is a powered or automated gate used to control vehicle access to a property, facility or restricted area.

Motor gates can be found at residential estates, farms, commercial properties, industrial facilities, business parks, lodges, private developments and other controlled-access locations.

W317 does not indicate how the gate operates. Its purpose is to warn that the motor gate is positioned centrally in the approaching roadway.

Why Is the W317 Warning Sign Important?

A centrally positioned motor gate can affect the normal movement of vehicles through the roadway. Drivers may need to slow down, stop, wait for the gate to open or follow a specific access route.

In some locations, the gate may also be difficult to see from a sufficient distance because of road alignment, buildings, vegetation, walls or other structures.

W317 gives drivers advance warning that a motor gate is ahead and that traffic movement may be controlled at that point.

Where Is W317 Used?

W317 may be appropriate where a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway and advance warning is justified.

Potential locations include:

• Controlled-access roads
• Residential estate entrances
• Security-controlled developments
• Farm access roads
• Commercial properties
• Industrial facilities
• Business parks
• Game farms and lodges
• Private facilities
• Restricted-access sites

The road layout, gate position, visibility and traffic conditions should be considered when determining whether W317 is appropriate.

W317 Motor Gate Ahead in the Centre of the Roadway

W317 is specifically used when the motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway.

This distinguishes W317 from the related signs:

• W315: Motor Gate Ahead on Right
• W316: Motor Gate Ahead on Left
• W317: Motor Gate Ahead in Centre of Roadway

The selected sign should match the actual position of the motor gate.

W317 vs W315

W315 warns of a motor gate ahead on the right side of the roadway.

W317 warns of a motor gate positioned centrally in the roadway.

The directional distinction is important because the physical location of the gate affects how approaching drivers understand the access arrangement.

W317 vs W316

W316 is used for a motor gate on the left side of the roadway, while W317 is used when the gate is centrally positioned.

The correct warning sign should correspond to the actual layout of the gate and roadway.

W317 vs W314 Gate Ahead

W314 Gate Ahead and W317 Motor Gate Ahead are related but communicate different conditions.

W314 is the general Gate warning sign and can also be used where a railway crossing has gates, booms or barriers.

W317 specifically warns of a motor gate positioned centrally in the roadway.

W317 and W327 One Vehicle Width Structure

Where the motor gate does not extend across the full width of the roadway, the SARTSM states that consideration should be given to using the W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warning sign instead of, or in addition to, W315, W316 or W317.

Where W327 is used in addition to a Motor Gate warning sign, it should be located a distance of V metres in advance of the Motor Gate sign, where V is the operating speed in kilometres per hour.

This can be important where the physical gate arrangement creates a narrow passage through which vehicles must travel.

When Should W317 Be Used?

W317 should be considered where a motor gate is centrally located in the roadway and represents a condition that approaching road users should be warned about.

Warning signs should be relevant to the actual road environment. Where the gate is clearly visible and its presence can easily be appreciated by approaching drivers, a warning sign may not be necessary.

W317 Sign Placement

W317 should be displayed in advance of the motor-gate hazard.

The SARTSM states that W315, W316 and W317 should be located in advance of the hazard and should be of an appropriate size and at a distance as given in Table 3.1.

The actual placement therefore depends on factors such as the operating speed, road alignment, visibility and location of the motor gate.

W317 and Sign Visibility

The warning sign should be positioned where approaching drivers can clearly see and recognise it before reaching the gate.

Visibility can be affected by:

• Road bends
• Hills and crests
• Trees and vegetation
• Walls and buildings
• Security structures
• Advertising boards
• Other roadside signs
• Parked vehicles

Where visibility is restricted, the sign position should be carefully selected to provide suitable advance warning.

How Should Drivers Respond to a W317 Sign?

Drivers approaching W317 should become more alert to the possibility of a centrally positioned motor gate ahead.

Drivers should:

• Watch for the motor gate ahead.
• Reduce speed where appropriate for the road and traffic conditions.
• Be prepared to stop if the gate is closed.
• Watch for vehicles entering or leaving the controlled property.
• Follow any access-control instructions.
• Allow sufficient space from vehicles ahead.
• Remain alert for pedestrians and other road users near the entrance.
• Proceed only when the route is open and it is safe and lawful to continue.

W317 Does Not Mean Drivers Must Stop

W317 is an advance warning sign and does not itself require every driver to stop.

Drivers must respond to the actual gate condition and obey any separate traffic-control or access-control instruction that requires a stop.

If the gate is closed, drivers should not attempt to proceed through it or around it in a way that creates a hazard.

W317 Does Not Set a Speed Limit

W317 does not establish a particular speed limit.

Where a regulatory speed limit applies, it must be indicated separately by the appropriate speed-limit sign.

Drivers should also adjust speed according to visibility, road layout, traffic conditions and the operation of the motor gate.

W317 at Security Gates

Motor gates are commonly used as part of security and vehicle-access systems.

They may be installed at residential estates, office parks, commercial properties, industrial facilities, farms and other controlled developments.

Where the motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway and advance warning is appropriate, W317 may be used to identify the gate ahead.

W317 at Residential Estates

Residential estates often use central entrance gates to manage access for residents, visitors, delivery vehicles and contractors.

Where an entrance gate occupies the centre of the roadway, W317 may form part of an appropriate traffic-management arrangement where advance warning is justified.

Other entrance signs may be used to provide visitor instructions, security information, speed restrictions or access-control directions.

W317 at Commercial and Industrial Properties

Commercial and industrial properties may use central motor gates to control access for employees, customers, delivery vehicles and contractors.

Vehicles approaching the gate may need to slow down or stop while access is checked or the gate opens.

W317 provides advance information about the centrally located gate so approaching drivers can prepare for the access point.

W317 at Farms and Rural Properties

Farms and rural properties may use motor gates at controlled entrances or internal access roads.

Where a motor gate is centrally positioned in the roadway and its location represents a relevant warning condition, W317 may be considered.

The suitability of the sign should be determined according to the actual access arrangement and road environment.

W317 at Game Farms and Lodges

Game farms, lodges and private wildlife properties may use automated gates to manage visitor and service-vehicle access.

W317 may be relevant where the gate is centrally positioned on the access roadway.

Where wildlife can also enter the roadway, separate wildlife warning signs may be appropriate depending on the conditions at the site.

W317 and Narrow Gate Openings

A centrally positioned motor gate does not necessarily mean that the full roadway is blocked by the gate.

Where the gate does not extend across the full width of the roadway and the remaining opening creates a one-vehicle-width passage, the W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warning sign should be considered instead of, or together with, W317 as appropriate.

The final arrangement should reflect the actual physical layout of the gate and roadway.

W317 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent W317 warning sign follows the standard South African warning-sign colour arrangement:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Motor-gate symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: White retroreflective

Unlike W315 and W316, the W317 symbol does not use a left or right directional arrow because the motor gate is positioned centrally in the roadway.

Temporary Motor Gate Sign – TW317

The temporary version of W317 is designated TW317.

The SARTSM states that temporary versions of W315, W316 and W317 are unlikely to be used, but where required they should be numbered and referred to as TW315, TW316 and TW317.

Where TW317 is required, it should be used in accordance with the applicable temporary warning-sign and traffic-management requirements.

Temporary W317 Sign Colours

The temporary warning-sign colour arrangement uses:

• Triangle: Red retroreflective
• Motor-gate symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background: Yellow retroreflective

This distinguishes a temporary warning sign from the permanent white-background version.

Retroreflective W317 Signs

Retroreflective materials help warning signs remain visible when illuminated by vehicle headlights, particularly during lower-light conditions.

For public-road applications, W317 should be manufactured according to the applicable requirements for dimensions, symbols, colours, retroreflectivity and installation.

W317 Sign Maintenance

A motor-gate warning sign should remain clear, legible and visible to approaching drivers.

Routine checks can identify issues such as:

• Faded sign faces
• Physical damage
• Loose mounting hardware
• Vegetation covering the sign
• Obstructions from other signs or structures
• Reduced retroreflective performance

Good maintenance helps preserve the visibility and usefulness of the warning sign.

W317 Sign Size

The correct size of a W317 sign depends on the road environment and the applicable road traffic sign requirements.

The SARTSM provides warning-sign sizes and placement guidance through Table 3.1 and the related dimensional specifications.

For public-road installations, the appropriate size should be selected according to the applicable standard and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

W317 on Public Roads in South Africa

The W317 Motor Gate Ahead sign forms part of the South African road traffic warning-sign system.

For public-road use, the selection, design, size, placement, materials and installation of W317 should comply with the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual requirements and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

W317 on Private Roads and Properties

Similar motor-gate warning signage may also be used on private roads and controlled properties such as:

• Residential estates
• Farms
• Game farms
• Lodges
• Business parks
• Industrial properties
• Commercial sites
• Private facilities
• Security-controlled developments
• Private access roads

On private property, the warning can form part of an internal traffic-management system designed around the site's access and security arrangements.

W317 and Access-Control Systems

Modern motor gates can be integrated with access-control systems such as remote controls, keypads, intercoms, card readers, security checkpoints and vehicle-recognition systems.

W317 does not provide instructions for operating these systems. It simply warns that a centrally positioned motor gate is ahead.

Any additional instructions for visitors, deliveries, staff or contractors should be communicated through suitable information or regulatory signs.

W317 and Traffic Queues

Controlled gates can sometimes cause vehicles to slow down or queue, particularly during busy entry or exit periods.

Where this occurs, drivers should remain alert to stopped or slow-moving vehicles near the gate.

Additional traffic-management measures may be needed where queuing regularly affects the roadway.

Who May Need W317 Motor Gate Signs?

W317 signage may be relevant to:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Property developers
• Residential estates
• Security-controlled developments
• Commercial property managers
• Industrial property managers
• Farm owners
• Game farms
• Lodges
• Road construction contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Road maintenance contractors
• Private facility managers

Benefits of Motor Gate Ahead Warning Signs

• Warns drivers that a motor gate is ahead.
• Identifies a centrally positioned gate on the roadway.
• Provides advance information before a controlled-access point.
• Can help drivers prepare to slow down or stop if required.
• Can draw attention to vehicles entering or leaving the property.
• Can support traffic management at controlled entrances.
• Can be used with other traffic-management signs where appropriate.
• Can form part of a wider access-control and road-management arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions About W317 Road Signs

What does W317 mean?

W317 means Motor Gate Ahead. It warns that a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway ahead.

Is W317 a warning sign?

Yes. W317 is a warning sign in the South African road traffic sign system.

What is a motor gate?

A motor gate is a powered or automated gate used to control vehicle access to a property or facility.

Where is W317 used?

It is used where a motor gate is situated centrally in the roadway and advance warning is appropriate.

Does W317 mean the gate is closed?

No. The sign warns that a motor gate is ahead. The gate may be open or closed when the driver reaches it.

Does W317 mean I must stop?

No. W317 itself is a warning sign. Drivers must stop when the gate is closed or when another applicable control requires them to stop.

Does W317 impose a speed limit?

No. W317 does not establish a speed limit.

What is the difference between W315 and W317?

W315 warns of a motor gate on the right, while W317 warns of a motor gate in the centre of the roadway.

What is the difference between W316 and W317?

W316 warns of a motor gate on the left, while W317 warns of a motor gate in the centre.

What is the difference between W317 and W314?

W317 specifically warns of a centrally positioned motor gate, while W314 is the general Gate warning and also applies to certain gated railway crossings.

What is W327?

W327 One Vehicle Width Structure warns of a structure or opening that may provide only one vehicle width.

When should W327 be considered with W317?

Where the motor gate does not extend over the full width of the roadway, W327 may be considered instead of, or in addition to, W317.

How far in advance should W327 be placed when used with W317?

Where W327 is used with a Motor Gate sign, the SARTSM specifies a distance of V metres in advance, where V is the operating speed in km/h.

Is there a temporary W317 sign?

Yes. The temporary version is designated TW317, although the SARTSM states that temporary W317 is unlikely to be used.

What colours does a permanent W317 sign use?

The permanent sign uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt motor-gate symbol and white retroreflective background.

What colours does TW317 use?

The temporary version uses a red retroreflective triangle, black semi-matt symbol and yellow retroreflective background.

Can W317 be used at a security gate?

Yes. Similar motor-gate warning signage may be appropriate at controlled entrances where the gate is centrally positioned in the roadway.

Can W317 be used at a residential estate?

Yes. It may form part of an estate's internal traffic-management arrangement where a central motor gate is present.

Can W317 be used at a farm?

Yes. Similar warning signage may be used where a motor gate at a farm entrance is centrally positioned and advance warning is appropriate.

Can W317 be used at a business park or industrial site?

Yes. It may be used as part of an appropriate access-control and traffic-management arrangement where a central motor gate affects vehicle movement.

Can Signs4SA supply W317 signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with W317 Motor Gate Ahead signs and other warning, access-control and traffic-management signage. Provide the required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order W317 Motor Gate Ahead Signs

Need W317 Motor Gate Ahead signs for a residential estate, farm, security entrance, business park, industrial property, commercial site or traffic-management project?

Contact Signs4SA with your required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation details to request a quotation.

One popular type of road sign is the Motor gate ahead sign. This type of sign is used to provide drivers with important information about the road ahead, such as directions, speed limits, and potential hazards.

Motor gate ahead_ signs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made from a range of materials, including metal, plastic, and reflective materials. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular roadway or location, including the addition of logos, graphics, and text.

One important feature of Motor gate ahead signs is their high visibility. These signs are designed to be easily seen by drivers, even from a distance and in adverse weather conditions. Many Motor gate ahead signs are also designed with reflective materials that make them visible at night.

Another important feature of Motor gate ahead signs is their durability. Road signs are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors, including wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. As such, they need to be made from materials that can withstand these conditions and remain in good condition for years to come.

For businesses and organizations that need to create custom road signs, working with a reputable sign company can ensure that their signs are of high quality and meet all necessary standards and regulations. Signs4sa can provide expert advice on design, materials, and installation, and can help businesses ensure that their signs are installed safely and effectively.

Overall, Motor gate ahead signs are an important tool for ensuring road safety and providing drivers with the information they need to navigate effectively. By working with a professional sign company to create and install these signs, businesses and organizations can help ensure that their messages are seen and understood by drivers, and help to improve safety on the road.

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