11.17 Place names with two or more words lend themselves to alternative layouts. Figure 11-12 shows an example of a map type roundabout sign with the destination "Middle Walborough" indicated along an unnumbered non-primary route. On sign 6A "Middle Walborough" is on a single line; this results in a very large sign which is wasteful of space. In the example, the destination to the right has a relatively short name (Barford) and, with the extremely long left turn arm, the complete map type route symbol looks out of balance. The total area of the sign can be reduced by 12% by abbreviating "Middle Walborough" to "M. Walborough" as shown on sign 6B. One problem here is that should there be another destination with a similar name, such as "Market Walborough", not too far away and not indicated on the sign, confusion could arise. It is generally better to avoid using abbreviations, and to place the name on two lines as shown on sign 6C.
The width of the sign is reduced further, although the height is increased, resulting in a sign that has the same area as sign 6B. However, in addition to showing the place name in full, sign 6C has a more balanced route symbol layout, and the reduced width will help to overcome any siting difficulties. As this is a roundabout junction, "Walborough", being on the second line, tucks under the route symbol. This is a contributory factor to the reduction in sign width. If "Middle Walborough" was the only destination to be signed to the left, the omission of "Elmsford" would not affect the size of signs 6A and 6B, as the height is determined by the minimum length of the approach arm (see para 5.39). However, the height of sign 6C would be the same as 6A and 6B, resulting in a total sign area equal to 76% of that for sign 6A. The difference between signs 6C and 6D is in the length of the left turn route arm. On sign 6C the two-thirds rule (see para 5.6) is applied to the longest part of the block (i.e. "Walborough"). This results in the arm almost passing the first part of the name ("Middle"). The passing effect would be further exaggerated had the place name been "Old Walborough" on two lines. On sign 6D, the appearance of the route arm is improved by applying the two-thirds rule to “Middle” rather than to "Walborough". There may be other situations where applying the two-thirds rule to the line of legend immediately below the route arm improves the appearance of the sign.
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