A frequent and recurring debate that crops up in driving circles relates to the national speed limit for a dual carriageway. I'm not referring to the erroneous belief that it is on an unlit, or otherwise suitably subject to a 'derestriction' Order, 60 mph. It is, in fact, for cars at least, 70 mph; the … Continue reading Dual carriageway signing
Category: Thoughts
The future of Stop signs
As part of the wider flexibility and moving on from site specific approvals, the DfT have abandoned the requirement for new Stop signs. The justification is that all locations that warrant such signs already have them so there should be very few exceptional circumstances where a new Stop sign should be necessary. On paper, such … Continue reading The future of Stop signs
Glasgow Gantries
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?
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
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 