Guidance: Traffic signs manual

The traffic signs manual gives guidance on the use of traffic signs and road markings prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Revised editions of the manual will be published here as they are released.

The chapters may be purchased in hard copy from The Stationery Office.

Chapter 1 introduction (ISBN 9780115505591)

Introduction and an outline of the historical, functional and design aspects of signs. The chapter includes sections dealing with the positioning and mounting of signs.

Chapter 2 is currently a work in progress. It will contain advice on the design and use of directional signs, and also other informatory signs such as home zone signs. Due to the amount of work required to complete chapter 2, it is intended that interim advice on individual topics will be made available as and when completed.

The current advice on the design and use of directional informatory signs is published in Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/94. Also available is the latest list of primary destinations in England (PDF, 64.4KB), which supersedes the information in LTN 1/94.

Chapter 3 regulatory signs (ISBN 9780115529252)

Guidelines on the correct use of regulatory signs prescribed by the traffic signs regulations. These include prohibited turns, waiting and loading restrictions, bus and cycle lanes, for example. There is also a comprehensive section dealing with the signing of speed limits.

Chapter 4 warning signs (ISBN 9780115524110)

Warning signs are used to alert drivers to potential danger ahead. They indicate a need for special caution by road users and may require a reduction in speed or some other manoeuvre. This reprinted edition includes 4 minor amendments and the addition of Appendix A, note 7.

Chapter 5 road markings (ISBN 9780115524790)