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The road sign system in the UK
To help drivers recognise the type of sign they are looking at there are different sign categories. These range from different coloured route direction and general information signs to different shapes for signs designed to warn of hazards or prohibit certain actions.
The latest signs are created by electronic variable displays and can give information via specific text messages and images.
In this section we deal with warning, compulsory and prohibitory signs.
Signs giving direct orders
These are mostly circular.
Red circles with a white background give negative instructions, e.g., no cars, no horses, etc.; blue circles give positive instructions, e.g., ahead only, turn left, etc.
The main exceptions to the rule are the Clearway, Stop and Give Way signs shown below.
Click here for signs giving negative orders
Click here for signs giving positive orders or information
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Triangular signs warn of danger
Red triangles with a white background are warning signs. The image in the triangle is the subject of the warning (as shown in the examples below).
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