Real reason UK motorway signs are green – and it’s clever

It’s so important as a motorist to get from A to B with caution on the road.

This entails vigilant observation of the roads, traffic signals, and surrounding vehicles to prevent incidents. When traversing the motorway, you’re aided by distinct signage that guides your journey.

These indicators are typically presented in shades of blue or green, but have you ever wondered why that’s the case?

According to TikTok user @zachdfilms3, there’s a reason behind this. Now in a video, which features US motorway signage, he explained: “Have you noticed most highway signs are green. Well the reason for this is actually pretty important.

“You see signs like ‘stop’ and ‘wrong way’ are painted red to capture your attention quickly. But this would be too distracting on a highway where the signs are mostly for locations. So instead they made the signs green which is a calming colour that’s not too distracting.”

It’s interesting to note that not all UK motorway signs are green with some in blue.

Since the TikTok clip was shared, it garnered over 55,800 likes and 4,400 shares. Social media users have even chimed in with their insights.

One user pointed out: “In Europe it’s mostly green or blue,” while another added: “In Dubai it’s blue.” And a third commented: “There’s like a whole colour code thing with highway signs, blue is for information like rest stops and hotels. Brown denotes state or national parks etc.”

Additionally, a fourth contributor observed: “Portugal is blue.”

The Highway Code states that green panels indicate the primary route starts at the junction ahead. Route numbers on a blue background show the direction to a motorway.

Meanwhile, blue panels indicate that the motorway starts at the junction ahead.

Motorways shown in brackets can also be reached along the route indicated. White panels show local or non-primary routes leading from the junction ahead.

Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions. The name of the junction might also be shown at the top of the sign. The aircraft symbol indicates the route to an airport.

And a symbol may be included to warn of a hazard or restriction along that route.