Classic signs from across UK

Whether you are new to driving or experienced one, a good understanding of highway signs is an important part of driving.

It becomes more important when you have recently passed the driving test as you will not be having experience with different road layouts.

The safer you drive, the more you can save on the new driver’s insurance. This proves that knowledge of classic signs on the highway is very important. So, let’s begin with the basics.

Different shapes – different meanings

Numerous highway signs have different meaning, but based on the shape, most of them fall under below three categories. The basic rule is

1. Rectangular road sign

Rectangular signs are informative in nature. The white rectangular sign gives directions on minor roads, the green shows directions on primary roads, and the blue rectangular sign provides information on motorways.

2. Triangular road sign

Triangular road signs give warning. An equilateral triangle road sign is designed to show the road’s layout or any hazard that lie ahead, like sharp bends. These signs always have a red border.

3. Circular road sign

Circular road signs give order and must be strictly followed to stay within the law. Circles with a red border instruct what you must not do, and blue circles show a positive instruction like ‘turn left ahead’.

Other road signs, like speed limit, are self–explanatory; however, some are not so straightforward.

Classic signs giving orders

Most of the time, it is effortless to identify what a circular order sign is saying. Like speed limit signs are self-explanatory. It becomes complicated when the sign is more abstract.

Urban clearway sign

This usually represents a busy urban road where cars are not permitted to wait. This restriction may apply during a particular time, mostly rush hours.

Red route sign

These signs are found on busy routes of London, Leeds, Luton and some parts of the West Midlands. Double red lines mean you cannot stop at any time; however, you are allowed to stop sometimes, especially when there is a single red line. The time will be signposted.

National speed limit sign

This sign departs from a blue and red scheme with a diagonal black line and white background. It simply means the national speed limit applies, which is 60 mph for cars, 50 mph for carriageways and dual carriageways, and the speed is 70 mph.

No through-road sign

This sign represents that the road you are driving into has reached an end and warns you that there is no way to go further. The sign applies to buses and cycles also.

Give way sign

It is represented by an upside-down triangle with a red border. These signs can be found on the junction and represent that you should give away to traffic after reaching the main road crossing when there is a proper space.

Warning road signs

Warning red signs are represented by a red triangle and reflect the possible hazards. Most of the hazards have their own signs, and few of them are very common. Some common classic signs are

Steep hill sign

This sign generally represents the percentage; the higher the number, the steeper the hill. The direction of the sign tells if the road is steep downhill or uphill.

Ford sign

This sign simply means that the road ahead is covered with water, and you must drive cautiously.

The dual carriageway ends ahead.

This sign reflects that two roads which are separated by a central reservation and going to merge again. The dual part means that there are two separate roads, not the number of lanes in every direction.

T – Junction sign

It looks less like a T instead of a through-road sign. Here the broad arrow shows who has priority at the junction.

Direction road signs

These signs are primarily rectangular in shape and showcase different categories of roads with other colour direction signs. Some of these signs also point to the way of various things which you might need to know. Some of them are

• Signs on local and non–primary roads used to have a white background with black borders.
• Primary route signs have green backgrounds.
• Motorway direction classic signs are painted with blue backgrounds.

In addition, signs showing local directions come in various colours, but the most common one is brown sign boards.

Information road signs

Information-giving road signs are generally rectangular shaped with a white or blue background. Other colours are also used sometimes. The most common signs are

Bus lane sign

These signs have standard blue background along with white text. You need to pay close attention to the signboard to know what is allowed in the bus lane and when as most of the bus lanes operate 24 x 7 while others do not. Most lanes allow cycles, lorries, motorbikes and taxis in them.

No through-road sign

Do not confuse it with T- the junction road sign. This one has a blue background, a white vertical bar, and a red horizontal bar above. These classic signs are generally placed near residential areas.

Wrap up

These are some important classic signs from across the UK. Every sign is unique, with a different meaning. Most signs come with strict rules and laws, so check them properly before taking action.