Tram Signs

What are tram signs

These signs are designed to help trams and other road users share the road safely. Diamond-shaped signs provide instructions for tramcar drivers, while blue circular and rectangular tram signs provide mandatory instructions and positive information to vehicles and pedestrians.

Red triangle tram signs provide warnings to all road users.

List of all tram signs

To pass your theory test, you’ll need a good understanding of all signs and road markings that pertain to trams.

Tram only sign

An image of a tram on a blue circular background, sometimes combined with a plate. The tram only sign means the route ahead is just for trams, so vehicles, riders and pedestrians are prohibited from using the route.

Tram only route with a junction ahead

The tram only sign is combined with a white rectangular information sign. This sign means the route ahead is tram only, while the junction to the right is for normal traffic heading towards the city centre. If you’re driving and see this sign, you’ll need to turn right as the road ahead is just for trams.

Tram only road markings

You may see this written along the ground when the route ahead is tram only. The texture of the road may also be different as this is another sign to drivers and pedestrians that the route is just for trams.

Tram crossing ahead sign

A tram in a red triangle warns you of trams crossing ahead. This sign can be combined with a level crossing give-way sign.

Trams approaching from both directions.

Blue rectangular sign with an image of a tram and instructions to look both ways. This sign is aimed at pedestrians and is often found near the tramway path.

Give way to the tram sign

This sign combines the level crossing without a gate and give way signs with the tram and keep crossing clear plates. The combined sign means drivers need to give way to any approaching trams and always keep the crossing clear. If you block the crossing, you could endanger yourself and anyone on the tram.

You might also see a level crossing warning sign when you approach a tramway crossing with a barrier, so keep an eye out for this sign.

Speed limit sign for tram drivers

This is a diamond-shaped sign with a black border, white background, and a number. This sign is aimed at tram drivers, and it shows the maximum speed limit in kilometres per hour.

Temporary tram signs

The authorities may use temporary tram signs during maintenance work, restrictions, and emergencies. These signs are diamond-shaped with a black border, but the text is written in red. The ‘W’ sign warns tram drivers to slow down as they approach temporary speed restrictions. The ‘T’ represents the end of these restrictions, and the sign with the number is the new tram speed limit.

Give way to other trams and vehicle traffic

This sign tells tram drivers to give way to other trams or vehicle traffic on a shared road. The sign has a black border, a white background, and an upside-down triangle. The sign is shaped like a dimaond.

Stop sign for trams

Tram drivers must stop the tram at this sign and wait till it’s safe to proceed before moving off again. If a tram driver ignores this sign, it could lead to a very serious accident.

Tram signals

Tram drivers have to obey a different set of signals. The signals are as follows;

Tram signal on a set of traffic lights

On shared roads, traffic lights may control both vehicle and tram access. This sign shows a traffic light with a stop signal for tram drivers.

Stop unless safe to proceed

This sign instructs tram drivers to stop the tram unless it’s safe to proceed.

Stop signal

Tram drivers must stop the tram when they see this sign. It’s a mandatory instruction, and the driver must stop the tram, even if the path is clear.

Proceed ahead

It’s safe for the tram driver to proceed ahead, but they cannot travel in any other direction

Procced left

It’s safe for the tram driver to turn left, but they cannot travel in any other direction

Proceed right

It’s safe for the tram driver to turn right, but they cannot travel in any other direction.

Why do we need tram road signs?

Trams are an essential part of any urban travel network. They’re great for linking inner city areas and can run on roads shared by vehicles, riders and pedestrians. Sharing the space with other road users is undoubtedly a benefit, but it does present challenges.

Without tram signs and road markings, drivers wouldn’t be aware of the swept path or when they’re approaching a level crossing. Pedestrians could also end up in the tram’s path, which is dangerous as the tram cannot change direction.