Road Markings and Signage
Yellow road markings require a Traffic Regulation Order before they can be laid.
The Highway Code defines the types of signs and road markings used on the highway.
Examples of the most common signs in normal use, fall into certain groups.
- Regulatory signs - signs with red circles
- Warning signs - mostly triangular
- Direction signs - mostly rectangular, white or green backed. Blue backed on Motorways. Destination and map type signs
- Information signs - mostly rectangular, generally blue backed.
- Cycle Route Signs -white on blue signs.
- Pedestrian Signing - generally white on green for footpaths and bridleways, white on blue in pedestrian areas, but a variety of colours can now also be used, usually in pedestrian areas.
If you require tourist signing, or temporary signs to housing developments contact the Highways Action Line (HAL).
All signs on the highway must be authorised by the Highway Authority. Special signs are allowed with prior approval of the Department for Transport, or if they are experimental, or under trial.
Tourism signing provides an important opportunity for both tourism businesses and local economies and are implemented positively and constructively. There is, of course, an advertising element, as it helps to generate more impromptu visits. However, the primary purpose is to safely guide those wishing to visit a tourist destination along the most appropriate route for the latter stages of their journey, or to indicate facilities that a tourist would not reasonably expect to find in that location.
For enquiries regarding road signs, direction signs, requests for tourist direction signing and requests for temporary signing to housing developments, contact the Highways Action Line (HAL).
All signing and lining matters on the A1(M) Motorway and Trunk Road A66 are dealt with by agents for the Highways Agency:
A-One
Valley House
Valley Street North
Darlington
DL1 1TL
Tel: 01325 341630
Fax: 01325 385777
All signing and lining matters on the Trunk Road A19 are dealt with by agents for the Highways Agency:
Autolink Concessionaires (A19) Limited
Billingham Reach Industrial Estate
Haverton Hill Road
Billingham
Cleveland
TS23 1PX
Tel: 01642 560637
Fax: 01642 560861
With regard to street nameplate signs, these are the responsibility of the District Councils. Links to their appropriate website pages are shown below:
Chester-le-Street District Council - District Highways
Derwentside District Council - Customer Service
Durham City Council - Contact Details
Easington District Council - Environmental Services
Teesdale District Council - Street Care
Wear Valley District Council - Street Furniture
