An information sign
One-way traffic
A blue rectangle with a white arrow tells you the road is one-way, in the direction the arrow points - all traffic flows the same way.
01
What it means
Because everyone travels the same direction, you may use either side of the road and overtake on either side, and you'll often find angled parking. Don't confuse it with the round blue 'ahead only' sign: that's a compulsory instruction to go straight on, whereas this rectangular sign is information about the road being one-way. At the far end, expect a 'no entry' sign facing the other way.
02
Where you'll see it
Town-centre one-way systems, gyratories, and narrow streets managed one-way.
03
On your driving test
Position sensibly for your exit (a one-way street lets you get in the correct lane early), and don't try to turn against the flow.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Is 'one-way traffic' the same as 'ahead only'?
No. 'Ahead only' is a blue circle ordering you to go straight on. 'One-way traffic' is a blue rectangle telling you the whole road runs one way - you can still turn off it at junctions.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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