Road signs

The signs that may be used on the public highway are controlled by Government regulations. These cover the design of the signs, where they can be used and whether they must be illuminated.

We are often asked to install extra signs showing that there is a 30mph speed limit in residential roads. Under current rules we are not allowed to provide repeater 30mph signs in roads with streetlights.

We will provide direction signs under certain circumstances to destinations off the public highway. These can help visitors to the area who may be visiting.

Traffic signs play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling road users' behaviour. Often their aim is to make the roads as safe as possible for everyone. This makes a knowledge of traffic signs essential. Not just for new drivers or riders needing to pass their theory test, but for all road users, including experienced professional drivers. Drivers are expected to be familiar with the Highway Code. For example it states that the presence of streetlights not more than 185m apart indicates the existence of a 30mph speed limit, unless signs show a different limit.

The Highway Code gives examples of the most common signs in normal use. Signs are grouped into four types:

• Warning signs draw the driver's attention to possible dangers on the road ahead. This could be where they need to slow down or to highlight something such as a low bridge or a level crossing. They are the same across the country so they can always be recognised.
  
  
• Regulatory signs such as speed-limit signs are in place to let drivers know what traffic restrictions there are and help to enforce these restrictions.
  
  
• Directions signs show how to get to a place. They have the same basic layouts across the country so drivers can always understand them. Councils decides which place names are put on signs, apart from those on trunk roads and motorways which are dealt with by the Highways Agency.
  
  
• Other information signs include signs for local facilities, such as recycling sites.

Keeping up to date

New road signs displaying new messages and in new formats are introduced from time to time. Drivers or riders need to keep up to date or run the risk of failing to understand or follow new signs.

• GOV.UK - The Highway Code

• Telephone 0300 555 2345

Highways Maintenance
Environment
Lister Road Depot
Lister Road
Dudley
DY2 8JW