Direction signs
Mostly rectangular
Signs on motorways - blue backgrounds
At a junction leading directly into a motorway (junction number may be shown on a black background)
On approaches to junctions (junction number on black background)
Route confirmatory sign after junction
Downward pointing arrows mean ‘Get in lane’. The left-hand lane leads to a different destination from the other lanes.
The panel with the inclined arrow indicates the destinations which can be reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction
Signs on primary routes - green backgrounds
At the junction
On approaches to junctions
Route confirmatory sign after junction
On approaches to junctions
On approach to a junction in Wales (bilingual)
Blue panels indicate that the motorway starts at the junction ahead.
Motorways shown in brackets can also be reached along the route indicated.
White panels indicate local or non-primary routes leading from the junction ahead.
Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions.
The name of the junction may be shown at the top of the sign.
The aircraft symbol indicates the route to an airport.
A symbol may be included to warn of a hazard or restriction along that route.
Primary route forming part of a ring road
Ring road symbol
Signs on non-primary and local routes - black borders
On approaches to junctions
At the junction
Direction to toilets with access for the disabled
Green panels indicate that the primary route starts at the junction ahead.
Route numbers on a blue background show the direction to a motorway.
Route numbers on a green background show the direction to a primary route.
Other direction signs
Picnic site
Ancient monument in the care of English Heritage
Direction to a car park
Tourist attraction
Direction to camping and caravan site
Advisory route for lorries
Route for pedal cycles forming part of a network
Recommended route for pedal cycles to place shown
Route for pedestrians
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic
Diversion route