A sign of the times

This week the DfT (Department for Transport) announced the intention to review traffic signs in a bid to reduce street clutter, congestion and CO2 emissions. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) welcomed the review; maintaining good traffic signing makes driving safer and less stressful.

Too much “clutter” means motorists sometimes tend to ignore signs – but they are essential for smooth and safe driving. Signage has become diverse and motorists are expected to remember far more signs than ever before.

Motorists who years ago studied the Highway Code to pass their driving test rarely revisit the rules to refresh their memory on how to understand signage. It is highly unlikely that any motorist will know every sign – but motorists really need to know how the shape and colour of the sign effects what it is saying. Here are some reminders from the IAM on how to “decode” traffic signs and how to act on them.

Understanding the shapes

The shape of the sign indicates if it is either compulsory or advisory. Round signs, such as speed limit signs, are giving orders, triangles are there to give a warning i.e. give way or roundabout ahead, rectangle signs give information i.e. directions.

Know your colours

The colours used within a sign gives you further information. Red rings are regulatory signs and tell you what you must not do i.e. exceed 30mph, blue signs are used for information, except on motorways when they are used for directions, green rectangles are used to give directions on primary routes, brown rectangles indicate a tourist attraction.

Variable message signs (VMS)

VMS provide motorists with information and advice about emergencies, incidents and network management. Taking notice and acting on the information provided by the VMS motorists improves safety and minimises the impact of congestion.

Motorway exit signs

Motorway junction signposts are usually positioned one mile and half-a-mile in advance to give prior warning to motorists and enable them to select a suitable lane position early. Reminder signs appear 300, 200 and 100 yards before an exit.

Official signs provide the motorist with the information they need to be as safe as possible but sometimes unofficial signs can give you advanced warning of possible hazards ahead (a pub car park, for example, may have emerging traffic).