What Do the Different Road Sign Colours Mean in the UK?
Roadside colours refer to those used on signs at the side of roads to warn drivers of hazards, give instructions or display information. In the UK, colours are used for different purposes such as warning signs, mandatory instruction signs and information signs. Each colour signals something different and therefore has a different impact on the driver.
The following are the colours that are used on road signs and the meaning they have:
1) Red road sign
Red is a very strong colour and there is no doubt that drivers are aware when they see red signs. Red has the potential to grab drivers' attention quickly and can therefore be used on certain warning signs to highlight a hazard that the driver could potentially not notice otherwise.
It alerts drivers of danger and is also associated with the stop sign at junctions. It is therefore used as a warning sign that a driver needs to take action to avoid an accident. This colour can also be used if the message needs to be highlighted in an emergency when there is a need for immediate attention.
Red is also used on mandatory instruction signs to indicate the actions needed from drivers. Here, it indicates the actions and decisions needed from them. Drivers can therefore take action on instructions. This can be associated with an 'intermediate' hazard where the driver needs to take action to avoid an accident, but there is time to act before an accident occurs.
2) Yellow road sign
Yellow is used on road signs to depict a warning, caution or mandatory instruction. Yellow is a warning colour and indicates that the driver needs to take an action. It can indicate the imminent danger of an accident if the driver does not take action immediately.
Yellow is used on warning signs ahead of a junction that is not typically controlled by traffic lights. It can also indicate a hazard on the road and road users need to be alert when approaching a yellow sign.
3) Green road sign
Green is used on a limited number of signs but is mainly used on information signs such as tourist destinations and hotels. It is also used to mark the way on motorway exit roads. Drivers can therefore find an alternative route if they need to. The green colour indicates that the way ahead is clear and safe for drivers. However, motorists need to take note of the junction numbers so that they can be sure that it is the correct exit.
4) Orange road sign
Orange is used to indicate temporary traffic conditions when there is a need for special attention from road users. It is associated with a construction site, motorway works and seasonal road works. Moreover, it can also be used in combination with other colours to indicate temporary traffic orders. It is therefore good to note that orange is rarely combined with other colours.
5) Blue road sign
A blue road sign indicates positive (mandatory) actions. The compulsory actions are to slow down, change lanes and give way to road users. The colour blue is also used in conjunction with other colours to indicate the actions that need to be taken before operating a vehicle. Drivers should pay attention to the wording and texts on blue signs for an indication of what action needs to be taken.
- Blue Signs having circles indicate what actions are mandatory for drivers to take before operating their vehicle.
- These signs should be treated as "give way to oncoming traffic" signs.
- Blue signs with triangles indicate what actions are mandatory for drivers while operating their vehicles.
- These signs should be treated as "go slow" or "stop" signs.
- If the sign has a square, it indicates that action is recommended or permitted.
A common blue sign that you may be aware of is the cyclist sign on the pavement. Depending on which blue cycling sign it is, it can mean different things. One means that you must stay out of the cycling lane and others prohibit cyclist movement.
6) White road sign
This sign is mainly meant to inform the passengers where the bus stops are located. It also indicates that the bus is not in operation and therefore is not allowed to overtake. Drivers can therefore follow the sign and should closely look out for it if they want to find a bus stop. Further, these white sides are used to inform the road users on the direction of cycle lanes or bus lanes which can also be seen as a no standing zone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, colours play a major role in indicating the meaning of road signs. Different colours are used on different signs, and when these colours are combined with other features found on the sign, these will increase the effectiveness of conveying messages to drivers and readability. These colours improve driver navigation and road safety. Moreover, bright colours such as red attract drivers' attention easily, especially at night time or if driving in poor weather conditions.