What are the signs for emergency diversion routes?
National Highways has increased the number of signed diversion routes to help you find your way. Where possible this will include fixed road signs to help direct you back onto the road you were originally travelling on. Emergency diversion route signs will feature a black shape on a yellow background (a square, triangle, circle or diamond).
Planned diversions
A planned diversion, perhaps because of roadworks, is normally publicised in advance. The route is made clear by temporary signing, using one of the symbols shown below.
Unplanned diversions
In the past an unplanned diversion – following a major motorway crash for example – would mean that drivers were unexpectedly directed to leave the obstructed road but without a clear diversion route. It would be down to you and your map reading skills to find your way back onto the same road at a point beyond the obstruction.
National Highways works with local authorities to agree on the most suitable diversion routes in advance. These are usually signed using one of the symbols shown below on a yellow background. So, should you be diverted, you can simply follow these symbols and you will end up back on the road you were originally on.
Diversion route signs
The filled shapes on a yellow background all represent a primary diversion route, which is intended to be used by the majority of traffic. Any diversion signs with arrows simply indicate the direction of the diversion.
The different shapes don't actually mean anything unique, but multiple signs and shapes can be used when there are multiple diversions in the area. So, if you started following a square diversion, make sure to keep following the square sign rather than any other shapes. If you see a sign with another shape, it means there's another diversion.
Outlined shapes that aren't filled in represent a secondary diversion route, which may be more suitable for smaller vehicles (or those capable of traversing a narrower route).
These are the emergency diversion route signs you should look out for in the UK.
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What is a square diversion route?
A square diversion route sign indicates the road you’ll need to take to get around a blocked off area. A filled in black square represents a primary diversion route which is suitable for all traffic, whereas a hollow or outlined square diversion route sign represents a secondary diversion route which is suitable for smaller vehicles.
What does a black triangle on a yellow background mean?
A black triangle on a yellow sign represents a primary diversion route. It means a road ahead is blocked off temporarily and the diversion route will lead you around to the other side.
How do diversions work?
Diversions can be planned or unplanned. A motorway road may have to close because of an incident or because of planned works. In either case, an emergency diversion route sign will become visible leading up to the closed-off area or road. To account for the types of vehicles that might be travelling on motorways, A roads or wider roads with more space are often selected for traffic to use instead.
When should I expect to see a diversion?
You’ll see the diversion signs in the lead up to a road closure. Motorway signs have retractable diversion route signs that can be used in case of an emergency or planned works. For other major roads, you may see a temporary road sign with a black shape on a yellow background. For certain emergencies, you can expect to see police directing and diverting traffic.
Using apps to stay up to date on diversions
Modern apps (Gmaps & Waze, for example) have in-built features that provide the best route for you. If a road is blocked or there are road works, they’ll typically send you on the quickest diverted route. These apps can be great for giving you real-time information while you’re on the road – we’d recommend using one so you can stay aware of developing traffic conditions, accidents, and any other hazards on the road.
Last updated: 5th June 2024 | Author: The AA