Route Number - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the road number consists of a letter followed by a number of up to 4 digits. For example, the historical main road from London to Edinburgh is called the A1, the "A" in Britain indicating a first class route, classified as more important than "B" roads. The A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 also radiate out from London (in clockwise order) to points around the coast. All classified roads starting in the zone between the A1 and the A2 begin with the figure 1 (A137, B1412), etc. Scotland is similarly divided into zones by the A7, A8 and A9 which radiate out from Edinburgh. Motorways are marked by an M, for example the M25, which forms a beltway around London. Motorways are fast freeways and are generally larger than "A" roads. Motorways follow different zoning and numbering systems from "A" and "B" roads.

A similar clock-face zonal system is used in many other European countries (for example, Spain).