Review of traffic signs and removal of unauthorised, etc., signs
14. A great deal has been achieved in the removal of unauthorised, misleading and redundant signs, but there is still scope for action in this direction, and a further review should be undertaken in the light of the recommendations contained in this Report.
In our view it is essential that all unauthorised traffic signs on or near highways should be removed. Highway authorities already have powers in this direction and should be exhorted to exercise them fully. In addition we consider that the Minister should have powers to direct highway authorities to remove unauthorised signs, and, failing action by the highway authorities, should himself have powers to undertake their removal and recover the cost of doing so. We recommend that the existing powers of the Minister and of highway authorities in this respect be examined and strengthened as may be necessary to accord with the recommendations made in this paragraph. For the purpose of this paragraph we would define “unauthorised traffic signs” as including :
(a) signs which have not been authorised by the Minister;
(b) signs authorised by the Minister for temporary purposes only but used as permanent signs; and
(c) signs authorised by the Minister but used in circumstances other than those envisaged in their authorisation or retained after conditions justifying their use have altered.
Implementing of recommendations
15. Those of our recommendations which involve the replacement of existing signs by new or amended signs are all directed to the ultimate improvement of our traffic signs system, but clearly are not all of equal urgency. We have reviewed these recommendations from this aspect of urgency and have divided them into the following three broad classes :
(1) Recommendations involving departure from existing practice on some essential point, and where the change-over should be made in all cases as soon as possible. It will be for the Minister to appoint dates by which the various changes should be completed.
(2) Recommendations for improvements which are not so urgent as the foregoing, but which should, nevertheless, be made effective within a definite period (say from three to five years) to be prescribed by the Minister.
(3) Recommendations for improvements of a minor character which need only be introduced as and when replacements of existing signs become necessary.
In category (1) we place the following :
(a) The removal of unauthorised, misleading and redundant signs. (Paragraph 14.)
(b) The replacement of the existing sign “Road Works Ahead” by the larger sign now recommended. (Paragraph 65.)
(c) The replacement of existing “No Entry” signs by the new sign now recommended. (Paragraph 78.)
(d) The substitution of black letters on a white ground for white letters on a red ground on prohibitory signs of the type “No Right Turn.” (Paragraph 79.)
(e) The substitution of movable signs “No Waiting this Side To-day” for signs of the type “No Waiting this Side on Even Dates,” or “No Waiting this Side Monday, Wednesday and Friday.” (Paragraph 82.)
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