3.3 Direction signs must not be confused with advance direction signs. Direction signs are placed at the junction and point along the route shown on the sign. The most common type of direction sign is the flag type sign with the chevron end. An example is illustrated in figure 3-3. Where the exit from a junction is at an acute angle, a flag type sign may not be suitable. In such cases a rectangular sign with an inclined arrow may be used. This should not be confused with the stack type advance direction sign which it resembles. One common use of the rectangular sign is on the nose of an exit slip road at a grade separated junction. Examples of rectangular direction signs are illustrated in figure 3-4. A third type of direction sign is the modern version of the traditional fingerpost (diagram 2141). This should be used only on minor rural roads where traffic speeds are low. The Directions do not permit this type of sign, an example of which is illustrated in figure 3-5, to be erected on trunk, principal ("A" numbered) or classified "B" numbered roads.
3.4 Route confirmatory signs are generally placed after junctions where the advance direction signs do not give distances to the various destinations. A route confirmatory sign will normally show the route number, destinations reached and the distances to those destinations. In some cases it is appropriate to give information relating to another route that can be reached at a junction ahead. At grade separated junctions with gantry mounted signs, overhead signs may be provided beyond the nose of the exit slip road. Although they will not include distances, they are referred to as route confirmatory signs (see figure 3-2). Examples of the various types of post mounted route confirmatory signs are illustrated in figure 3-6.
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