Temporary directional signs are designed to be sited on the highway (roads and adjoining verges) in view of attendees, mounted on either existing street furniture or freestanding frames.

All signage must be authorised by the appropriate authorities. This may be borough, city or county councils. Signs intended to be sited on the countries major truck roads must be authorised by the Highways Agency. Any signage, poster or banner erected without authority could result in fines, prosecution and costs levied for the removal of such display material.

Authorities base the decision whether to sanction/allow signage on national guidelines and regulations. For example, signs must be of specific colours, text style and size. Directional signage must not be employed as a means of advertising an event and therefore trade names cannot be included on the sign legend. The inclusion of dates on signs varies between authorities. Some form the opinion that dates assist drivers determine the relevance of a sign, others consider dates to be a form of advertising.