What does the "DIVERSION" sign mean?
On UK roads, traffic is diverted to an alternative route if a road is closed. Motorists will be redirected to an alternative route if there is a blockage ahead or maintenance is being carried out.
Motorists must follow the diversion sign when a road - or section of it - is closed, in order to re-join the road further along. The meaning of the sign is to ensure that traffic is effectively diverted around the closed section of the road, using the most appropriate route.
How common is this sign?
The diversion sign is somewhat common, you will see them on - and the roads near to - motorways in particular. Diversion signs always have a yellow background with black lettering or symbols. The symbols used are:
- Yellow background with a black square
- Yellow background with a black triangle
- Yellow background with a black circle
- Yellow background with a black diamond
The symbols can be either filled in or an outline, therefore there are eight possible variations. The purpose of having multiple symbols is that there may be different diversion routes on the same stretch of road. The symbols are used to show emergency diversion routes, if a section of the motorway is closed, traffic is directed off the motorway onto local roads.
Where are you likely to see the "DIVERSION" sign?
Emergency diversion route signs are sometimes placed on direction signs and will navigate drivers to the next junction to re-join the motorway. The yellow background with a symbol can follow road numbers and/or place names on the direction sign or may appear as their own sign. Some are visible all the time and permanently in place, whereas others are hinged and folded back, then put on display when needed.
When a motorway is closed, traffic will be directed off the motorway by traffic officers or the police, a yellow sign will appear with a sign showing which diversion to follow (one of the eight symbols). At the point you re-join the motorway the symbols will end.
Temporary diversion signs are usually in place for non-motorway traffic when a road has to be closed. Temporary diversion signs will usually have lettering, with an arrow showing which direction to take.
Road closures can happen almost anywhere, so you may bump into one pretty soon...
When did this sign first come into action?
Diversion signs have been used for decades, however the use of symbols to direct diverted traffic was overhauled in 2009. The government introduced requirements that only routes that could carry major traffic would be used, avoiding obstacles such as low bridges. Rather than replacing signs entirely, the symbols were often placed onto existing signs as add-ons. Thousands of signs around the country had to be amended, with some results looking noticeably untidy, as the additions sometimes fall outside the boundary of the original sign.
Summary
Whenever you see a yellow sign with black lettering or symbols then you may have to be redirected. This is simple enough when the diversion signs use lettering (for diversions on minor roads) but pay extra attention when being diverted from a major road, taking note of which symbol applies to your diversion. When you approach a junction or roundabout, follow your symbol and you will be taken back to your route and can continue your journey.