Signs are provided to regulate traffic and to warn road
users of hazards ahead. The signs that may be used on the public
highway are controlled by government regulations covering the
design of the signs, where they can be used and whether they must
be illuminated.
The
Highway Code website gives examples of the
most common signs in normal use. Signs fall into certain
groups:
- Regulatory signs – signs with red circles
- Warning signs – mostly triangular
- Direction signs – mostly rectangular; destination and map
type
- Information signs – mostly rectangular
For further details see
HMSO web page for the Traffic Signs Regulations and
General Directions Act 2002.