User:Cassowary/Road signs in Australia

Road signs in Australia are described in Australian Standard AS1742, the Australian Road Rules and state or territory law. They are increasingly standardised throughout the whole country, but are different from signs used elsewhere. In general, Australian road signs are more similar to US road signs than to Vienna convention signs. Measurements on current Australian road signs are in metric measurements; very occasionally a signs predating metrication in the 1970s can still be seen.

History
Australian road signs have always been generally standardised throughout the country, although differences exist. Before the 1950s, most regulatory signs were circular with a yellow background and black foreground. To this day, pedestrian (zebra) crossing and safety zone tram stop signs retain this style. Since then, most regulatory signs are white and square or rectangular. From the 1970s onwards, there has been a tendency towards more pictures and less writing.

Warning Signs
Permant warning signs are yellow or fluorescent orange diamonds with black foreground and border. They generally contain well-recognised icons or text. Pictures of Australian wildlife are also commonplace in rural areas. Advisory speed limits are commonly placed beneath them in supplementary panels colored the same as the warning sign. Temporary warning signs as used for road works are typically yellow rectangles or squares with black foreground.