Councils warned over road sign rules
Discussion
http://www.signlink.co.uk/NewsStory.aspx?i=3549
How do the courts view this though?
Signlink News said:
Councils warned about ‘neglecting’ sign laws
Local councils are being warned to ‘tread carefully’ when it comes to complying with legal regulations for variable message signs.
Last year it emerged that a temporary speed limit sign did not meet the Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines, and since the new legal requirements have been issued, local authorities are being strongly advised to make sure all roadside units that display pictograms and text are up to code.
Brian Lyus of the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM), comments: “Increasing numbers of authorities are now using digital signs to get their message across, but compliance and quality can sometimes be neglected in the face of price pressure.
Compliance and quality can sometimes be neglected in the face of price pressure”
“Guidance issued by the DfT recently spells out the requirements for variable message signs laid down in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (TSRGD). It’s a reminder that councils must tread very carefully to ensure they don’t break the rules.”
The DfT Traffic Advisory Leaflet outlines guidelines for signs, such as the rules on form of display, sign housing, and messages.
I can only say that in my experience, there are now larger numbers of signs that do not comply due to lack of maintenance in Cumbria and lancashire - faded borders and lettering or hidden by overgrowing foliage.Local councils are being warned to ‘tread carefully’ when it comes to complying with legal regulations for variable message signs.
Last year it emerged that a temporary speed limit sign did not meet the Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines, and since the new legal requirements have been issued, local authorities are being strongly advised to make sure all roadside units that display pictograms and text are up to code.
Brian Lyus of the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM), comments: “Increasing numbers of authorities are now using digital signs to get their message across, but compliance and quality can sometimes be neglected in the face of price pressure.
Compliance and quality can sometimes be neglected in the face of price pressure”
“Guidance issued by the DfT recently spells out the requirements for variable message signs laid down in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (TSRGD). It’s a reminder that councils must tread very carefully to ensure they don’t break the rules.”
The DfT Traffic Advisory Leaflet outlines guidelines for signs, such as the rules on form of display, sign housing, and messages.
How do the courts view this though?
I received an NIP for 63 mph (if memory serves) on the M40 through roadworks.
I'd come down a curving slip road from the A43 onto the southbound carriageway. I was looking to my right to see a gap in the traffic, accelerated to the speed of the traffic on the motorway, and a van driver, just a fraction behind me - I was going to come in behind him - flashed me, I thought to let me pull out. I was in a TVR and such conduct is hardly unknown, even from white van man. I accelerated to get well in front and went through a speed camera hidden behind a bridge. It flashed.
There was a repeater sign just before the camera, but I was reluctant to brake although I'd lifted off.
I went back to the slip road and saw that there was a 50 limit sign on the slip, but placed on a curve and just a few yards before the the motorway.
Further, and slightly different from signage, the road works had been suspended for the weekend, the road being opened to 3 lanes from the two when there was work being done of the barriers.
I returned the NIP, saying I was the driver, but pointing out the failure to conform to the signage requirements. There were other matters as well but I gave the full SP on the signage recommendations straight from the book. I heard no more.
There is a slack attitude to signage on roadworks in general, but motorways tend to be quite good in conforming. I was, in some respects, lucky with this one but then if they'd been placed correctly, I would not have been speeding.
So check that everything is as it should be.
I'd come down a curving slip road from the A43 onto the southbound carriageway. I was looking to my right to see a gap in the traffic, accelerated to the speed of the traffic on the motorway, and a van driver, just a fraction behind me - I was going to come in behind him - flashed me, I thought to let me pull out. I was in a TVR and such conduct is hardly unknown, even from white van man. I accelerated to get well in front and went through a speed camera hidden behind a bridge. It flashed.
There was a repeater sign just before the camera, but I was reluctant to brake although I'd lifted off.
I went back to the slip road and saw that there was a 50 limit sign on the slip, but placed on a curve and just a few yards before the the motorway.
Further, and slightly different from signage, the road works had been suspended for the weekend, the road being opened to 3 lanes from the two when there was work being done of the barriers.
I returned the NIP, saying I was the driver, but pointing out the failure to conform to the signage requirements. There were other matters as well but I gave the full SP on the signage recommendations straight from the book. I heard no more.
There is a slack attitude to signage on roadworks in general, but motorways tend to be quite good in conforming. I was, in some respects, lucky with this one but then if they'd been placed correctly, I would not have been speeding.
So check that everything is as it should be.
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