destination when placed on the same line. As the units of measurement (e.g. "yds") are included, the horizontal gap between the place name and the distance is reduced from the standard 7sw to 4sw. Where two or more destinations are shown on the same sign, the distances are generally aligned in columns as shown in the "Museum-River" example (note that the gap between "1" and "7" is the same as that between "7" and "0" in "170yds"). Generally, for pedestrian signs, the stacking order of destinations is nearest first. The Regulations require that distances over 1/2 mile should be expressed in miles and not yards. Figure 14-2 includes an example of a sign where distances are expressed in both yards and miles. This is most likely to occur on public footpath signs. The abbreviation "m" is used for miles. The first distance to be shown in miles is centred beneath the distance in yards on the line immediately above. Subsequent distances in miles will have the unit numerals aligned in a column. Thus in the example, the "2" is centred beneath the "1 Where fractions of miles are used with whole miles (as in the example), it is not practicable to position the "m"s in a column. However, where two or more adjacent lines contain either whole miles or fractions (but not a mixture of both), the "m"s on those lines should be aligned in columns, with the smallest gap to an adjacent numeral tile being 1sw. Where a public footpath sign shows all distances as miles, the "m" is omitted and the minimum horizontal gap to the place name increased to the standard 7sw.
14.5 Metric distances are not permitted by the Regulations, and must not be used.
ADDING ARROWS BENEATH DESTINATIONS
14.6 The design rules for regulatory signs in respect of horizontal arrows beneath tiled legends also apply to other signs (i.e. the vertical gap is 1.5 sw). Where the arrow is directly below a symbol the vertical gap is 2.5 sw.
LANE GAIN SIGNS
14.7 The number of arrows on the lane gain signs shown in Schedule 4 to the Regulations may be varied to suit the circumstances. This is a straightforward process for the signs on the main carriageway where the arrow heads are vertical. Each additional arrow (straight or curved) increases the width of the sign by 13sw, as detailed on the working drawings. However, the signs mounted on the entry slip roads have arrow heads angled at 45°. This complicates the addition or deletion of arrows. Figure 14-3 shows the basic design rules which apply in this case. The minimum length of any straight arrow is 16sw. Other design details (e.g. lane line dimensions) can be found on the working drawings.
14.8 The minimum length of arrow (straight or curved) should be increased where this would improve the appearance of the sign. For example, a very short arrow may be lost on a sign that also contains several long arrows.
14.9 Lane gain signs must not be modified for use as rectangular lane merge signs. Triangular warning signs to diagrams 508.1 and 509.1 should be used where traffic merges need to be signed (see Chapter 4). In situations where it is considered that a rectangular sign might be of benefit, special authorisation must be sought (see para 1.10).
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