Over on SABRE, there is often debate about the 'Glasgow Gantry'. They are, in a word, a 'Marmite' creation; people either love them or hate them. So, what are these gantries and how did they come about? In 1964, the new TSRGD brought in following the Worboys report had no real detail for motorway gantries. … Continue reading Glasgow Gantries
Improving cycling facilities through better signs?
First off; I am not going to open up a hornet's nest regarding cyclists vs cars, suffice to say I am a firm advocate of improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists wherever we can. This article therefore is going to concentrate purely on the traffic signs aspect of cycle infrastructure design. Traffic signs for cyclists … Continue reading Improving cycling facilities through better signs?
Understanding the DfT Traffic Signs Approval Process
As a basic rule of thumb, if a sign is not in the TSRGD, you're not supposed to use it. However, the DfT are willing in limited circumstances to consider authorising a bespoke sign for use at a specific location. This is a pragmatic position, but until recently the lack of flexibility in the old … Continue reading Understanding the DfT Traffic Signs Approval Process
Diversion symbols and their effect on existing signs
An unfortunate requirement of the sudden resurgence of the use of tactical diversion routes in 2009 was that thousands of signs had to be amended. Given this work took place as one of the worst financial crises of recent times was hitting, it was never going to be a scheme with a lavish budget thrown … Continue reading Diversion symbols and their effect on existing signs
A Proposal to Improve Zebra and Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Signs
This article is inspired by a conversation that occurred on the Facebook page for the Society for All British (and Irish) Road Enthusiasts about examples of pedestrian crossings using the wrong sign. I set about asking myself 'how could we improve things'? The humble Zebra Crossing is a rather elderly innovation these days. However, it … Continue reading A Proposal to Improve Zebra and Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Signs
Pre-worboys signs
Prior to the publication of the Worboys Report in 1963, traffic signs were distinctly 'olde-worlde'. They are, legally, supposed to be extinct - but many survive. You may or may not know about signs prior to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1964. It took until 1957 for the first TSRGD to be published, … Continue reading Pre-worboys signs
When things go wrong…
Much mileage has been made by the popular press historically with regard to traffic signs that are wrong, or misleading. Spelling mistakes, ironically given the low quality of proof-reading in many local newspapers, seem to be an instant win for 'council-bashing' type journalists. The sad thing is, it's easy to mock. It's less easy to … Continue reading When things go wrong…
Direction Signs – have we lost our way?
Direction signs are essential methods of communicating information to road users; why do we not take them seriously enough? Note: The sign designs in this article are not part of any design contract, nor are they commissions for any third party organisation, no commercial confidences have been breached in presenting these drawings. We have been … Continue reading Direction Signs – have we lost our way?
Show me a sign 