If you break down or need to report an incident, it’s really important to know where you are.
This is why motorway markers are important because they can be used to locate you.
You can give us your exact location instantly using the AA app. Alternatively, the driver location signs on motorways and A roads will help us or the emergency services find you.
You may have seen these small blue signs along the hard shoulder while driving on the motorway, but understanding them is another matter. Don’t worry, we’re here to explain each part of the sign for you.
What are driver location signs and where do you find them?
Driver location signs help you identify your exact location. If you break down or need emergency services, use the numbers and letters on the sign to give accurate information.
Driver location signs are small and blue. They’re placed 500 metres apart along motorways and major A roads. Usually, they feature a distinct code or number that matches a specific location on the road.
Sometimes they’re called distance marker posts, UK highway signs or motorway sign posts. They were introduced in early 2003 to give drivers additional information to the motorway marker posts – signs posted every 100 metres showing the directions to the nearest emergency phone.
We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.
How do you read a driver location sign (distance marker post)?
Driver location signs can give breakdown rescuers a quick idea of whereabouts you are. Providing them with the details written on the sign nearest to the incident will make it easier for help to get to you.
- The top line shows which road you’re on
- The letter on the second line – A or B – tells us the direction you’re travelling in
- The bottom line tells us how far you are from a given location
What do the different letters and numbers written on small blue motorway signs mean?
Below you can find a step-by-step guide on each part of UK motorway marker posts, so you know how to read them and understand your location.
Line 1: the first line of the sign tells you what road you’re travelling on. If you are on the M42, it will say M42
Line 2: The second line of the sign will have an A or B, which will indicate which direction you’re travelling in.
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What does A mean on the motorway?
The letter 'A' refers to either the northbound side, the side on which the junction numbers increase, or Away from London -
What does B mean on the motorway?
The letter 'B' refers to either the southbound side, the side on which the junction numbers decrease, or Back to London
On the M25, ‘A’ means clockwise and ‘B’ anticlockwise
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You may see the letters J, K, L and M if you’re on a motorway slip road, depending on your location and the direction you’re travelling in.
Line 3: The third line on the location sign tells you how far you’ve travelled (in kilometres) from the start of the motorway you’re on. On the M25 for example, the distance is measured clockwise from the Dartford Crossing.
If you find yourself broken down on the motorway, remember to only give the nearest marker location information on your side of the motorway.
Use an emergency telephone if there’s one nearby and you can get to it safely. These are still the easiest and cheapest way to call for help.
Even if you can’t remember how to read a driver location sign, you can pass the information on to the relevant party who will know your location based on the numbers you provide.
Have you broken down and need help?
Anywhere. Anytime. We’ll rescue you. If you're not a member and have broken down, you can join The AA now. Call us for instant breakdown cover today.
We'll provide instant cover for anyone broken down in the UK who's not already with us. Just so you know, you can’t buy cover online if you’ve already broken down – so please call instead and we'll help you.