Traffic signs: Direction signs.

Motorways, 'A' roads and minor roads. All have their own signs and distinctive colour markings.

These are the ones to look out for if you are going on a journey into an unknown area. On approach to a roundabout for example the sign shows you not only the shape of the junction, and the number of exits, but the direction in which the various exits are pointing as well. After the junction you may well have a sign telling you how far it is to the nearest towns.

The signs shown below do not show the full range of shapes of junctions that are available but to be fair, if they did then this page would be about a mile long. The signs shown do present a fair cross section of the common ones that you will get used to seeing in your day to day motoring.

Learn to use the full extent of the information that is available to you on the signage. It is far easier to drive anywhere if you know what is along the road ahead of you.

Mostly rectangular
Signs on motorways - blue backgrounds
At a junction leading directly into a motorway (junction number may be shown on a black background)	On approaches to junctions (junction number on black background)		Route confirmatory sign after junction
Downward pointing arrows mean 'Get in lane' The left-hand lane leads to a different destination from the other lanes.
The panel with the inclined arrow indicates the destinations which can be reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction
Signs on primary routes - green backgrounds
On approaches to junctions	On approaches to junctions	Route confirmatory sign after junction	At the junction	On approach to a junction in Wales (bilingual)
Blue panels indicate that the motorway starts at the junction ahead. Motorways shown in brack-ets can also be reached along the route indicated. White panels indicate local or non-primary routes leading from the junction ahead. Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions. The name of the junction may be shown at the top of the sign. The aircraft symbol indicates the route to an airport. A symbol may be included to warn of a hazard or restriction along that route.
Signs on non-primary and local routes - black borders
On approaches to junctions	On approaches to junctions	At the junction	Direction to toilets with access for the disabled
Green panels indicate that the primary route starts at the junction ahead. Route numbers on a blue background show the direction to a motorway. Route numbers on a green background show the direction to a primary route.
Other direction signs
Picnic site	Ancient monument in the care of English Heritage	Direction to camping and caravan site	Advisory route for lorries	Tourist attraction
Route for pedal cycles forming part of a network	Route for pedestrians	Diversion route	Recommended route for pedal cycles to place shown	Direction to a car park
Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic			Holiday route