What do the yellow shapes mean on motorway and A road signs? The Sun
WHEN driving we're confronted with many road signs - including yellow symbols.
Whether it be a square, circle, triangle or diamond, here we explain what they mean.
What do the symbols mean?
An urban legend suggests the shapes are secret symbols to guide the great and good to the nearest bunker in a nuclear attack.
But there is actually a much less sinister explanation behind the mysterious markers.
The symbols direct traffic on to emergency diversion routes in the event of a road closure.
There are eight variations of the symbol for up to eight different exits or alternative routes.
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How do they work?
Yellow signs are used for diversions, instructions and information.
Diversion signs are displayed to indicate an alternative route when there is a closure - and they include a symbol to follow.
On motorways and A roads, wording will state "M1 North closed. Follow [symbol] for alternative route".
The motorist will need to follow the correct yellow symbol to bypass the road closure.
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They will divert you off, and then back onto, the road you were travelling on.
They are designed so that drivers can easily recognise the symbol dotted across their new path, confirming they are on the correct track.
However, some diversion signs simply have an arrow on them pointing to the alternate exit.
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What other signs are used on motorways?
Motorway road signs are easily distinguishable from others as they have a blue background.
Borders, writing and diagrams on the signs will always be in white writing to make them high contrast and easy to see.
As you are about to enter a motorway, you will see a sign depicting two lanes going under a bridge.
This is to let you know that you are about to join a motorway.
An identical sign with a red line through it will show you when the motorway ends.
Rectangular signs on gantries will display destinations and road names, such as M25.
Blue signs, either on gantries or on the left side of the road, will also indicate which lane you should be in to continue on the road or exit.
As you approach an exit countdown markers indicate the number of yards from 300 down to 100, with three, then two, then one bar.
This allows drivers to prepare to leave the motorway.
When exiting a motorway, the exit number will be displayed in white writing in a black square.
Blue signs will also display when the hard shoulder ends, where there are emergency refuge areas, and services.
Direction signs for drivers of goods vehicles have a black background, lorry picture and white writing.
Blue and yellow signs at the side of the road are driver location signs, and help breakdown and emergency vehicles locate you.
They are positioned every 500 yards or so.
The first number refers to the road you on, the second line notifies which way you are travelling, while the third line indicates how far you are from a given location.
Brown signs with white writing point to places of public interest or tourist spots.
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