Traffic and road signs are used for a number of reasons. They divert traffic, control pedestrians and other road users, improve flow, regulate speed, show road hazards, restrict parking and everything in between.
Traffic signs are not only useful, they are a requirement on Australian roads. They are essential for directing traffic in all kinds of environments, whether that’s at a facility, warehouse, workplace, public road, highway or carpark.
Reading road signs should be second nature for road users, but it’s important to not get complacent. Understanding signage and following them ensures that everyone on the road (and off) is safe. Road signs are clear and direct for this reason, to make sure everyone understands them and knows what is expected of them. Without signs for traffic, the chances of accidents, collisions and injuries increases drastically.
You’re probably well aware of why signs are needed, but maybe not sure of the best place to source them. If you’re wondering “where can I buy traffic signs?”, read on.
Before we look at where you can buy signs online, let’s take a look at some of the common classifications and meanings of Australian traffic and road signage.
Types of traffic signs
There are different classifications of signs that indicate the class and grade of the messages they are displaying. The common categories are regulatory signs, road warning signs, hazard markers, route marker signs, traffic instructions, service and community facilities signs, and road work signs.
Let’s take a closer look at the common classifications and their meanings.
Regulatory signs
These signs inform you of the traffic laws and regulations in place. They tell you what road users must do by law in different situations. Road users must obey all the instructions on regulatory signs or they risk getting a fine and points deducted from their licence. Parking zone signs and supplementary signs are also included under regulatory signs.
By obeying these signs, you help to protect:
- yourself
- your passengers
- other motorists
- cyclists
- pedestrians
Road warning signs
Road warning signs inform you that road changes are coming up on your drive. The signs can be for permanent or temporary traffic hazards and obstacles. The warnings aim to prevent accidents or injury that could arise from the road changes ahead.
The warnings could be about:
- merging or added lanes
- narrowing of the road ahead
- sharp corners or changes in the direction of the road ahead
- entry and exit of highways and motorways
- road crossings for pedestrians, farm animals, or wildlife
- roundabouts, stops, or giveways
- changes to the road's surface or condition
Traffic instruction signs
Traffic instructions are designed to give you direction and more information about the road ahead of you. The instructions are in place to protect you, other motorists on the road, cyclists and pedestrians.
The traffic information could be about:
- restrictions on vehicle load limits
- climbing and overtaking lanes and oncoming turnouts
- steep descents or climbs
- alternative routes to take
- indicators of road flooding depth
Common signs and their meanings
You’ll likely see these signs whenever you are travelling on a road or in a carpark. They indicate common instructions that are in place to maintain safety and to control the flow of traffic. Let’s take a look:
Stop sign - Stop signs are classed as a regulatory sign. The rules dictate that at a stop sign you must come to a complete stop and obey give way rules. If you’re looking to purchase a stop sign, you buy them online here.
Give way sign - Like stop signs, these are regulatory signs. At give way signs you have to slow down or stop, if needed, and obey the give way rules. If you want to purchase a give way sign, you can find them here.
No entry sign - No entry signs are also regulatory signs. They mean that you are not allowed to enter the area ahead. You shouldn’t drive past the sign. They are commonly used to control traffic flow in carparks. If you’re looking to purchase no entry signs, you can buy them online with us here.
Speed limit signs - These are regulatory signs and dictate that you must not drive faster than the speed limit shown in the circle. In poor conditions, it’s recommended that drivers go slower than the speed limit displayed. You can buy our 5kph speed limit signs here.
Road hump sign - These road warning signs let you know you are approaching a speed bump. A speed bump is an obstacle used to make vehicles reduce their speed on the road. Take a look at our road hump sign here.
Pedestrians sign - Another road warning sign, pedestrian signs indicate that pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead. If you’re looking to buy pedestrian crossing signs online, head here.
Where can I buy traffic signs?
Enforcer Group stocks road safety signs in Australia that are made to the highest standards and to legal specifications. They are designed to last outdoors in Australian conditions and to provide continuous safety to people and motorists.
If you’re in need of new signage, you’ve come to the right place. You can browse our full selection of signs and sign accessories on our website here.
We hope this article has been a good refresher on traffic and road signs and answered the common question, “where can I buy traffic signs?”. If you have any questions or would like to make an order, get in touch with us today.