AA Signs, one of the oldest parts of The AA, is celebrating 120 years since its first road sign was erected in Hatfield.

Since 1906, the historic signage business has grown from early village signs into a specialist signage, traffic management and event planning operation supporting major public events, state occasions and sporting fixtures across the UK.

Again this summer, AA Signs is providing traffic management, car parking and park-and-ride services for visitors travelling to Wimbledon.

Its wider work includes events such as Glastonbury, The Open Golf, Royal Ascot and London 2012.

120 years of AA Signs

AA Signs began in 1906, a year after The Automobile Association was founded. The organisation began erecting village signs as local councils did not consider it their responsibility at the time.

1906: The first AA sign was erected at Hatfield, showing the place name and mileages to nearby towns, such as St Albans.

By 1939: Around 30,000 AA signs had been erected, before most were removed at the outbreak of the Second World War to prevent them being used by enemy forces for navigation in the event of an invasion.

After the war: Responsibility for road signage moved to local authorities.

Today: AA Signs supports major public events, state occasions and sporting fixtures including Glastonbury, The Open Golf, Royal Ascot, London 2012 and Wimbledon.

AA Signs’ 120th anniversary highlights a lesser known but historically significant part of The

AA’s story. What began as a response to a lack of local road information has become a trusted signage service supporting communities, organisers and road users across the UK.

Supporting major events, state occasions and sporting fixtures

AA Signs is now a specialist operation providing signage, traffic management and event planning support for some of the UK’s biggest public events, state occasions and major sporting events.

Its work can also include more unusual local traffic management schemes. One of the more distinctive signs produced by the team each year supports the temporary closure of a road in Nottinghamshire to allow toads to cross safely.

AA Signs has been helping people find their way for 120 years.

From the very first AA sign in Hatfield in 1906 to today’s event signage, traffic management and planning operation, the purpose has remained the same: clear, reliable information that helps people get where they need to be.

Our work can range from major sporting fixtures and state occasions to more unusual local traffic management schemes. Whatever the event, good planning and clear signage help people move safely and confidently.

One of the events I am proudest to have been involved with was the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The AA had been involved in planning for that event for many years, with preparations dating back to the 1980s, which shows the level of trust placed in our teams for events of national importance.