Road Signs

Road Signs, signs, signals, and road markings used to convey quickly and accurately the wide range of information needed by road users, particularly vehicle drivers, and to promote a safe and efficient use of the road system.

In Britain early signposts were erected by private individuals at their own expense. In 1648 parishes were required by law to place guideposts at crossroads. In 1773 these and mileposts were required to be erected and maintained by Turnpike Trusts. From the advent of the motor car until 1931 most signposting was done by the motoring organizations. The Motor Car Act of 1903 made local authorities responsible for placing certain warning and prohibitory signs. White lines were introduced in the 1920s, and traffic lights and reflective road studs (Catseyes) in the 1930s. With increased international travel after World War II, discussions took place in the UN on the introduction of international traffic signs. However, it was not until 1965 that UK signs were changed to conform to the European system. In 1995 it was estimated that there were 2,500,000 signs and signals, 850,000 road markings, and 7,000,000 road studs on the roads in England alone.

In the United Kingdom signs consist of three basic explanatory shapes: circles, triangles, and rectangles, each with a distinct meaning. Circles give orders: blue circles give positive instruction, and red circles indicate prohibition. Triangles are always red and give warning of a hazard or restriction. Rectangles give information (either below triangular signs or about traffic flow or parking), or are used as directional signs. Blue rectangles give directions on motorways, green rectangles on primary routes, and white rectangles with a black border on non-primary routes, while brown rectangles give directions to tourist attractions and facilities. UK warning and regulatory signs conform to international standards. In most cases the image on the sign indicates the meaning without recourse to language. One sign in common usage in Europe but not used in the United Kingdom is the yellow diamond showing priority.

Traffic light signals are used to control traffic at junctions and also to stop the traffic to provide safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. Road markings are used to advise, guide, and regulate traffic, and are normally white. Yellow markings (and red in the case of specially designated priority “red” routes) indicate waiting and parking restrictions.

The signs (their size, shape, colour, material, position, and illumination), road markings (their position, size, spacing, and colour), and traffic signals (their type and position) must conform to the specifications given in Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires that road users comply with the indication given by such signs, markings, and signals.