Road signs in the United Kingdom largely comply with European standards, but they feature some fundamental differences. The main difference lies in the measurement system: distances on signs are not expressed in kilometres, but in miles and yards, following the imperial system. In addition, signs are placed on the left side of the road, consistent with left-hand driving.
Types of Road Signs
Warning Signs:
These have a triangular shape with red borders. Their purpose is to warn drivers of changes in the road layout or potential hazards. Common examples include:
- Road works.
- Crossroads or side roads.
- The possibility of encountering horse riders or migratory toad crossings.
Regulatory Signs:
These signs indicate prohibitions and are typically circular with a red border. Among the most common are:
- No overtaking.
- Pedestrian prohibited.
- The “Stop” sign: it represents the only exception to the circular shape; its distinctive shape and specific red colour are designed to ensure visibility even in adverse weather conditions.
Diversion Signs:
This category is exclusive to the United Kingdom. These signs help drivers rejoin the main route in the event of a road closure. One example is the “solid circle,” used for emergency traffic diversions on motorways and major roads.
Motorway Signs:
On British motorways, signs are large blue panels with white lettering. They provide information on:
- Junctions and exits, indicating the road number and destination.
- Alternative directions.
- The end of motorway regulations (for example: End of motorway regulations in 1 mile).
Regional Particularities:
In Wales, road signage has a unique feature: signs display bilingual text. In addition to English, the local language, Cymraeg (Welsh), is used; its presence on road signs has been officially authorised since 1965.
