Although these green-edged road signs have initially appeared on some British roads, they are likely to spread to other countries. Since Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals Since 1968, the aim has been to standardise signage in Europe to facilitate consistent driving at an international level. And although they are not yet incorporated into the Spanish General Traffic Regulationswe are going to tell you what you should do when you find a sign with green borders.
Our road sign system is quite complex, as each sign has a defined and concise purpose. It is logical, any change or novelty can have a significant impact on drivers, who must understand and follow the traffic rules. It is for their own good and for the good of others. But, as we are telling you, recently, a sign that we already know has been observed on some English roads, but with a different color.
In Spain there are three large groups of different traffic signs
- Triangular: They warn of danger.
- Round: They impose prohibitions or obligations.
- Rectangular or square: They offer information or directions.
In addition, the colours of the signs are crucial for their quick identification. So what does this new green border represent?
The green edges are merely advisory. Unlike the red edges, which impose a strict obligation, the green edges suggest an advisable speed to maintain safety in a specific section, without imposing a limit whose non-compliance entails a penalty.
In other words, following the speed indicated by a green edge sign is optional, although it is recommended for safety reasons. This signage can cause confusion, especially because in some cases the new recommendation sign (green edge) and the mandatory speed limit sign (red edge) are placed together on the same stretch. This duplication can lead drivers to wonder which one they should obey, and it is key to understand that the red edge sign has legal precedence over the new green ones.
It is crucial to remember that, in the Spanish road signage system, there is a hierarchy of signs that establishes the order of priority in case of conflict between them. The instructions of traffic officers have the highest authority, followed by temporary signs, traffic lights, vertical traffic signs, and finally, horizontal road markings (those painted on the asphalt itself).
