Drivers Call for Clearer Road Closure Signs as Confusion Grows

More than half of UK drivers believe standard “road ahead closed” signs are failing to provide enough information, according to new research from the RAC.

The poll found that 57 per cent of motorists consider the widely used red and white signs to be uninformative, with many saying they lack essential details needed to make informed decisions while driving.

Lack of detail undermines trust

Among those who criticised the signage, 60 per cent said the signs do not specify which road is actually closed, while 56 per cent highlighted the absence of information about how far ahead the closure is located. A further 15 per cent said they do not trust that the signs are up to date.

In response, an overwhelming 93 per cent of drivers said they would support councils and contractors providing clearer and more detailed information about road closures.

Diversion routes often ignored

The findings also reveal a lack of confidence in official diversion routes. Only 30 per cent of drivers said they always follow yellow diversion signs after encountering a road closure warning.

Instead, many motorists rely on their own judgement. Around 70 per cent said they prefer to use local knowledge to find alternative routes, while 58 per cent believe diversions will take them significantly out of their way. Just over half (52 per cent) said they follow directions from sat-nav systems instead.

Others take a more speculative approach, with 34 per cent continuing in the hope the closure does not affect their route, and 25 per cent driving closer to the disruption before seeking an alternative.

Safety and traffic concerns

The RAC warned that ignoring official diversion routes could create safety risks and contribute to congestion, particularly around active roadworks or maintenance sites.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said the current signage is no longer fit for purpose.

“Simply stating ‘road ahead closed’ is too vague. It doesn’t give drivers enough information and is causing a lack of trust,” he said.

He added that clearer signage—including details of the affected road and potentially the duration of closures—would help rebuild confidence and encourage drivers to follow official routes.

The findings highlight growing pressure on local authorities and contractors to improve communication with road users, particularly as reliance on digital navigation tools continues to rise.