Information signs

All rectangular

Entrance to controlled parking zone

Entrance to controlled parking zone

Entrance to congestion charging zone

Entrance to congestion charging zone

End of controlled parking zone

End of controlled parking zone

Advance warning of restriction or prohibition ahead

Advance warning of restriction or prohibition ahead

Parking place for solo motorcycles

Parking place for solo motorcycles

With-flow bus lane ahead which pedal cycles and taxis may also use

With-flow bus lane ahead which pedal cycles and taxis may also use

Lane designated for use by high occupancy vehicles (HOV) - see rule 142

Lane designated for use by high occupancy vehicles (HOV) - see rule 142

Vehicles permitted to use an HOV lane ahead

Vehicles permitted to use an HOV lane ahead

End of motorway

End of motorway

Start of motorway and point from which motorway regulations apply

Start of motorway and point from which motorway regulations apply

Appropriate traffic lanes at junction ahead

Appropriate traffic lanes at junction ahead

Traffic on the main carriageway coming from right has priority over joining traffic

Traffic on the main carriageway coming from right has priority over joining traffic

Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road

Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road

Traffic in right hand lane of slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over left hand lane

Traffic in right hand lane of slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over left hand lane

Variable speed limit with camera enforcement sign.

‘Countdown’ markers at exit from motorway (each bar represents 100 yards to the exit). Green-backed markers may be used on primary routes and white-backed markers with black bars on other routes. At approaches to concealed level crossings white-backed markers with red bars may be used. Although these will be erected at equal distances the bars do not represent 100 yard intervals.

‘Countdown’ markers at exit from motorway (each bar represents 100 yards to the exit). Green-backed markers may be used on primary routes and white-backed markers with black bars on other routes. At approaches to concealed level crossings white-backed markers with red bars may be used. Although these will be erected at equal distances the bars do not represent 100 yard intervals.

Motorway service area sign showing the operator’s name

Motorway service area sign showing the operator’s name

Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles

Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles

Hospital ahead with Accident and Emergency facilities

Hospital ahead with Accident and Emergency facilities

Tourist information point

Tourist information point

No through road for vehicles

No through road for vehicles

Recommended route for pedal cycles

Recommended route for pedal cycles

Home Zone Entry

Home Zone Entry

Area in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations

Area in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations

Bus lane on road at junction ahead

Bus lane on road at junction ahead

Author's Explanation

Information Signs Explained

Information signs provide drivers with useful guidance about road conditions, restrictions, facilities and changes ahead. These signs are usually rectangular and help drivers understand what actions may be required before reaching a specific area.

They can show important information such as motorway entrances and exits, parking zones, bus lanes, congestion charging areas, service areas and priority arrangements. Drivers should always read these signs carefully and prepare early rather than making sudden changes.

Some information signs indicate restrictions or special road layouts, such as HOV lanes, variable speed limits or camera enforcement areas. Understanding these signs helps drivers stay within the rules and avoid unsafe decisions.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver sees a congestion charging zone sign and checks whether payment or restrictions apply before entering the area.

Example 2: A driver approaches a motorway exit and uses countdown markers to judge the correct time to prepare for leaving the motorway.

Example 3: A driver notices a bus lane information sign and checks whether their vehicle is permitted to use the lane.

Example 4: A driver follows a hospital or tourist information sign to find important facilities without making sudden manoeuvres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are information signs used for?

Information signs give drivers guidance about road layouts, facilities, restrictions and services available ahead.

What does a motorway start sign mean?

A motorway start sign shows the point where motorway rules begin. Drivers should make sure their vehicle and driving behaviour are suitable for motorway conditions.

What do bus lane information signs show?

Bus lane signs show when a lane is reserved for buses and whether other vehicles, such as taxis or cycles, are also allowed to use it.

Why are camera enforcement signs displayed?

These signs inform drivers that cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations, such as speed limits, bus lanes or other restrictions.