The United Kingdom has a set of typefaces that are used on traffic signs, with various designs for use on different types of road. Each one has been developed with the aim of being easy to read by the motorist, both at speed and at a distance.

For the road sign typeface fans out there, you can now download a variety of fonts free of charge. For those who like typefaces used in other countries, a selection of these are also available - these are shown on a separate page.

All typefaces come in a True Type format, so should will work on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Transport Medium

The Transport typeface series is the principal set of fonts used on traffic signs in the UK. The Medium variant has been designed to be used in lighter colours appearing on a dark background.

	Transport Medium
	ZIP file (34 Kb)

 

Transport Heavy

This variant of the Transport typeface is designed to be used with darker colours that appear on a light background.

	Transport Heavy
	ZIP file (32 Kb)

 

Motorway Permanent

Motorway Permanent is an extended typeface that is used for road numbers, designed to be used on motorway signage - the font only features numbers and a small grouping of letters and punctuation.

	Motorway Permanent
	ZIP file (18 Kb)

 

Motorway Temporary

This variant of the Motorway typeface is designed to be used on temporary signage due to the use of a dark text on a lighter background.

	Motorway Temporary
	ZIP file (17 Kb)

 

Pavement

The official typeface that has been designed for use on the road itself, where stencils are properly used. An elongated version is also featured for use on high-speed roads.

	Pavement
	ZIP file (40 Kb)

 

Variable Message Sign

This is the typeface format that letters on variable message signs appear in, used when the Highways Agency are wishing to display messages on their electronic signage.

	Variable Message Sign
	ZIP file (12 Kb)

 

Ministry

The original typeface designed by the Ministry of Transport for use on the original system of road signage (commonly known as Pre-Warboys signs). There is no official name, Ministry and Old Signs being the two names most commonly used.

	Ministry
	ZIP file (108 Kb)

 

Disclaimer
These files have been provided for personal use only, and are not ideal for commercial purposes. A selection of the typefaces shown above are available for commercial use online.

Typefaces courtesy of Nathaniel Porter.