Knowing and respecting the road markings on the road, as well as vertical signage, is essential for drivers and pedestrians to circulate in maximum safety conditions. Below, we explain the meaning of the letters P and N and how you should act when you see them.
The letters P and N constitute a road marking that appears on the road next to a cross that separates both consonants, one on each side of it. This sign indicates that the driver or pedestrian is approaching a level crossing and, therefore, must take extreme caution.
A level crossing is a crossing that occurs between the road and a railway track when both are at the same height. This is a type of crossing that can be found both within urban centers and on interurban roads. At this point, trains, vehicles and pedestrians share the same track, which is why extreme caution must be taken when traveling on them, although most have walkways enabled for pedestrians. That is why it is important to know the different types of level crossings and how to circulate on each of them.
Level crossings with barriers are marked with the sign P-7 which, in accordance with the General Traffic Regulations of the DGT, warns of the danger due to the proximity of a level crossing provided with barriers or semi-barriers. If the barriers are lowered or moving, you will have to stop the vehicle and wait until they are completely raised before passing the intersection. These types of level crossings are equipped with a traffic light that prohibits passage on the tracks when they are red, as it indicates that a train is going to pass.
There is a type of barrier-free level crossing that is normally found in places where there is no intense train and vehicle traffic. In these cases, they will be marked with the danger sign P-8 and with road markings that indicate their proximity. Like level crossings with barriers, these can be accompanied by a traffic light to force the vehicle to stop in the event of an approaching train.
The key for drivers and pedestrians to travel safely on a level crossing is to respect the signs and maximize care, from the moment the letters P and N appear crossed by a cross on the road.
Level crossings may have a stop sign and a stop line that vehicles must not pass until they have verified that no train is coming. When, in fact, there is no danger, the driver may cross the level crossing, without stopping in the middle of the intersection under any circumstances. The driver will also have to respect the speed limits and the prohibition of overtaking another vehicle at a level crossing, as this is a very dangerous situation due to limited visibility.
