Britain's road network is an intricate web of highways, byways, and country lanes. Navigating this network is made possible through a well-established system of road signs, meticulously detailed in the Highway Code. In this blog, we will delve into the world of British road signage, exploring the rules and principles outlined in the Highway Code that help drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users safely traverse the diverse terrain of the UK.

The Highway Code: A Pillar of Road Safety

The Highway Code is more than just a document; it's a cornerstone of road safety in the UK. Its primary purpose is to promote road safety by providing a standard for all road users. This includes motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, emphasising the importance of understanding and obeying the road signs that guide them.

As the popularity of cars rose, there came a pressing need for standardised rules to enhance road safety. The Highway Code made its debut in 1931 as a simple booklet containing a concise set of rules primarily targeting drivers of motor vehicles. 

As the decades passed, the Highway Code underwent several revisions to adapt to the changing transportation landscape. The 1968 edition was particularly significant, as it introduced the now-familiar concept of road signs and their meanings. Nowadays, it covers a wide array of topics, including the use of mobile phones while driving and the importance of environmental consciousness on the road. 

Guiding the Way: Route Signage

Most of Britain's road signage in use today was developed in the 1950s and 1960s. The Anderson Committee (1957) established the motorway signing system. The Worboys Committee (1963) reviewed and standardised national signage. And later, the Guildford Rules (1980s) introduced colour categorisation.

Shape Almost all road signs in Britain have rounded corners, and this isn't purely a design choice. Rounded corners prevent damage and injury to vehicles and people, and prevent corrosion. 

Colour In its national review of road signage, the Worboys Committee recommended that 'route signs' be colour-coded. This recommendation was later expanded by the Guildford Rules. 

Types of Route Signs

Sign	Description	Type
	White text on solid blue background with a white border	Motorways
	White text on a solid green background with a white border and yellow route numbers	Primary routes
	Black text on a solid white background with a black border	Non-primary routes
	White text on a solid brown background with a white border	Tourist attractions
	Black text on a solid white background with a red border	MoD sites
	Black text on a solid yellow background with a black border with either a solid circle or triangle, or hollow square or diamond	Diversion routes

Regulatory Signs: The Law of the Road

Usually circular with a red border or blue fill, these signs warn of a potential hazard, obstacle or condition requiring special attention ahead. Failing to obey these signs could result in legal consequences if caught. 

Circular red bordered signs are prohibitive (eg. no entry, towed caravans prohibited, no U-turns etc).

Circular or rectangular blue filled signs mostly give a positive but mandatory instruction (eg. vehicle traffic must turn left, one way traffic only etc).

Exceptions

Sign	Description
	'STOP' Sign The iconic and internationally recognised 'STOP' sign is one of two regulatory sign that doesn't use a circle shape. The octagonal shape is thought to convey more authority and urgency.
	Give Way sign The other regulatory sign that doesn't use a circle shape is the Give Way sign, opting instead for an inverted triangle. This is to distinguish it from other triangular signs

Circular red bordered signs

All Vehicles Prohibited	Motor Vehicles Prohibited Except Buses	No Waiting or Parking
No Overtaking	Height Restriction (metric and imperial)

Blue Fill signs

Vehicles Must Turn Left	Mini-Roundabout	One-Way Traffic

Warning Signs: Anticipate the Unexpected

Warning signs are designed to alert road users to potential hazards or conditions ahead. They are usually triangular with a red border. Proper attention to warning signs is crucial to avoiding accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.

Common Examples

Traffic Signals Ahead	Steep Descent	Traffic Queues Likely Ahead

Unusual Warning Signs

Slow-Moving Military Vehicles Ahead	Migratory Toad Crossing	Area Infected by Animal Disease

Information Signs: Knowledge is Power

Information signs provide valuable information about services, facilities, and destinations. This category covers several types of signs from bus & cycle zones and parking restrictions to tourist attractions and general information. Understanding information signs can enhance the overall road experience and help you plan your route effectively.

General Information Signs

Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles	No through road	Passing place on narrow road

Tourist Information Signs

Campsite ahead	Place of interest recognised by regional tourist board	Motorway junction ahead leading to town containing several attractions

Parking Restriction Signs

Waiting or parking prohibited during these hours	Parking place	Vehicles may be parked partially on verge or footway

Bus & Cycle Zones

Shared path for pedestrians and cyclists	Cycle lane ahead	Tram and bus lane only

Motorway Signs: Your Journey at a Glance

Often large with a bold typeface, blue motorway signs need to be read at high speeds. These signs serve multiple purposes, including confirming the route, providing directions to junctions and destinations, managing traffic lanes and speed limits through variable message signs, and guiding drivers to the appropriate exits. They are either placed on the roadside or on the overhead gantry. Variable-message signs are electronic, changeable signs which can be updated instantly depending on variable events like weather, congestion or road traffic accidents. 

Static Motorway Signs

Start of motorway incl national speed limit	Additional traffic lane joining from left	Approach sign for motorway services

Variable-Message Signs

Risk of fog ahead	Temporary speed limit	Lane below closed

Other Signs

Level Crossing Signs

Level crossing with gate or barrier	Warning of light signals at level crossing	Electrified overhead cables
Telephone at crossing	Crossbuck - level crossing without gate or barrier

Temporary Signs

Road works ahead	Lanes bend ahead	Police accident ahead

Multilingual Signs

Multilingual signs do exist in the UK. Signs in French and German reminding drivers to keep left appear near international ports such as Dover. In Wales, legislation dictates that all signs must be in Welsh first with an English translation below. In Scotland, Gaelic is used on some signs with an English translation. 

Multilingual sign near Port of Dover	Cymraeg sign in Wales	Gaelic sign in Scotland

Test Yourself

Conveying vital information, regulations, and warnings, they help drivers make informed decisions, anticipate hazards, and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Understanding these signs is a fundamental aspect of responsible driving and contributes to the overall safety and well-being of all road users.

Question 1

What does this sign indicate?

Answer

End of dual carriageway ahead

Question 2

When might you see this sign?

Answer

This sign is placed after a ford or before descending a steep hill.

Question 3

What is an escape lane?

Answer

An escape lane is an emergency traffic device that enables vehicles having braking problems to stop safely. Often filled with sand or gravel on a slight uphill spur of road, they are found on motorways and steep hills in some places in the UK and across the Continent.

In Conclusion

British road signage is a visual language, rich in information and governed by the Highway Code. As road users, it's our duty to comprehend and follow these signs diligently. They are not merely symbols on the roadside; they are guardians of safety, ensuring that our journeys are safe and secure.

Ben Tully

Visual Design & Content Creation

Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.

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