What Font Is Used on London Street Signs?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’ve ever walked the streets of London, you may have noticed the distinct font used on street signs. It’s a bold and easily recognizable font that has become synonymous with the city. But have you ever wondered what font it is?

Well, wonder no more! The font used on London street signs is called Transport for London (TfL) New Johnston. It was created in 2016 by typeface designer Henrik Kubel and TfL’s head of design, Jon Hunter, as a modern update to the original Johnston font.

The History of Johnston Font

The original Johnston font was created in 1916 by Edward Johnston for use on the London Underground. Its clean and simple design made it easy to read in the dimly lit tunnels of the underground system. The font was eventually adopted by TfL for use on all its signage, from buses to street signs.

Over time, however, the original Johnston font began to show its age. It wasn’t designed for use on digital screens or at smaller sizes, which became increasingly important as technology advanced. That’s where TfL New Johnston comes in.

The Design of TfL New Johnston

TfL New Johnston retains much of the original Johnston’s DNA but has been updated for modern use. The letters are wider and more spaced out than in the original version, making it easier to read at smaller sizes.

One of the most significant changes is the addition of a lowercase alphabet. The original Johnston only had uppercase letters, which worked well for signage but made it difficult to use in other contexts such as print or digital media.

Usage of TfL New Johnston

Since its creation in 2016, TfL New Johnston has been gradually rolled out across all TfL signage. This includes not only street signs but also bus stops, maps, and posters.

But TfL New Johnston isn’t just limited to TfL signage. It’s also available as a downloadable font for anyone to use on their own projects. This is a testament to the font’s popularity and the recognition it has gained over the years.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The font used on London street signs is TfL New Johnston, a modern update to the original Johnston font created over a century ago. Its bold and easily recognizable design has become an iconic part of London’s visual identity, and it’s likely to remain so for many years to come.

If you’re looking to incorporate a touch of London into your own designs, consider using TfL New Johnston. Its clean and modern design is sure to make your work stand out.