Information sign

Emergency diversion route sign

Emergency diversion route symbol: a black triangle on a yellow square — Sign image: Department for Transport, © Crown copyright

What does the Diversion route symbol sign mean?

Black shapes on yellow mark an emergency diversion route. If a main road is closed, follow your shape to get round it.

Also known as: Yellow triangle symbol, Diversion symbols

What it means

The symbol marks a route that traffic can follow if a motorway or other main road is closed in an emergency.

Different shapes, such as a triangle, square, circle or diamond, mark different diversion routes. The symbols may be shown permanently on existing direction signs.

When a road is closed, a sign will tell you which symbol to follow. Keep following that shape until you rejoin your route.

Where you'll see it

On direction signs, including motorway signs, and on separate yellow signs along diversion routes.

Rules to know

Where a section of motorway or other main road has to be closed in an emergency, a temporary sign may tell drivers to follow a diversion route. Black symbols on yellow patches may be shown permanently on existing direction signs, including motorway signs.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 125
On all-purpose roads, the symbols may be used on separate signs with yellow backgrounds.
Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 125
The Highway Code shows symbols marking an emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic.
The Highway Code, Traffic signs