Road signs and markings are used as a means of informing drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of changes to the road layout ahead and the existence of certain restrictions. Very many circumstances require signs and markings. For the sake of consistency, many signs have been drawn up by the Department of Transport and legally enforced by Parliament.
Traffic signs come in various colours and styles, depending on the type of information they need to convey. Each sign has a specially coated front, to enhance its` visibility when headlights are shone onto it.
Triangular signs are usually used for warning signs, whereas
Circular signs tell you what to do and
Rectangular signs give you information. In addition, blue signs tell you what you must do, while red rings or circles tell you what you cannot do. Please note that direction signing is an exception to this rule.
The most commonly used signs are the red warning triangle signs, for example informing the driver of a bend ahead, a school or the need to `Give way`.
Road markings help road users travel in safety. The markings themselves are laid with coloured thermoplastic material for extra durability; this contains very small glass beads to help them show up in vehicle headlights.
Road markings may indicate lanes, tell drivers to `Give way`, warn drivers of hazards ahead or of any restrictions nearby.
The most commonly used road markings are dashed white lines to warn drivers to `Give way` to other road users and to indicate the centre of the road; they also tell drivers to `
Slow` down. Yellow lines are also commonly used to show where parking restrictions exist.