Workforce in road sign: what it means
This red sign means people are working in the road ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.
What does the workforce in road sign mean?
Know your traffic signs says traffic should go slowly because people are working in the road ahead. Rule 288 says observe all signs at road works: they are there for your safety and the safety of road workers.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Stop when the board shows STOP.
- Workers in the road ahead: slow down.
- Loose stones on the road ahead.
Show answer
B. Workers in the road ahead: slow down. Traffic should go slowly because a workforce is in the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: signs for road works and temporary situations, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 288, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At road works where workers are close to traffic.
What should you do?
Slow right down, give workers room and follow any instructions.
What do people get wrong?
Driving on at the usual speed because the lane is open. Workers may step out.
Common questions
Is there a speed limit?
The sign says slow. Look out for a temporary speed limit, which you must not exceed (rule 288).
Why are road works signs often red?
Many temporary road works signs use white words on red to stand out.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (signs for road works and temporary situations) and The Highway Code rule 288.
- Know your traffic signs: signs for road works and temporary situations, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 288, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.