Traffic signs could encourage motorists to change modes

Major reforms to traffic sign policy and regulations in the UK could see new signs persuading motorists to use public transport, the existing Traffic Regulation Order system streamlined, and Controlled Parking Zones reformed or even abolished.

These are among the ideas likely to be floated in a traffic signs policy action plan expected to be published by the DfT within the next few weeks.

The action plan will be the first document to come out of the signs review announced last September by transport minister Rosie Winterton.The DfT says the  review of signing will be the most comprehensive in over 40 years.

Since September three working groups of Government officials and transport professionals have been working up proposals on signing and road user information, enforcement and the environment.

The proposals being considered emerged last week when a leaked version of the action plan dated May 2009 was circulated.

The road user information group is considering whether more types of information should be permitted on traffic signs. This could include information about the availability and journey times for alternative modes of transport, live traffic information, and transport campaign information.

The group is also considering whether more flexibility can be introduced into the regulation and application of signs that are non-safety critical or essential for delivering traffic and parking regulations.

The Traffic Regulation Order process is being reviewed by the enforcement working group. The DfT says this is a “major issue for the review”.

“The making of a TRO can be costly and a lengthy process – taking between nine and 12 months from drafting to making an order,” says the Department.

“This action plan is recommending the consideration of alternative models for delivering regulatory traffic signs that would provide simpler and more inclusive procedures.”

The review is also considering if legislation could make TROs unnecessary for certain restrictions  – in the way that the Traffic Management Act 2004 prohibits parking at dropped kerbs.

The enforcement group is also looking at changing how parking restrictions are signed. A “full assessment” of the effectiveness of Controlled Parking Zones is proposed. The Department says road users have difficulty in assimilating and remembering the operational times on the entry signs to the zones and the review will consider “whether to continue with this form of parking control”.

Nonetheless, the review will also consider if other restrictions and prohibitions could be effectively enforced at a zonal level.

The environment working group is examining whether local authorities should periodically review the need for traffic signs in their areas in accordance with guidelines and a checklist.

New powers could allow local authorities to affix signs to buildings, so reducing he need for “obstructive and unsightly traffic sign infrastructure”.

A DfT spokeswoman told LTT this week: “The review is still at an early stage and no decisions have yet been taken.”

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The signing review will be covered at LTT’s ‘Delivering better traffic management’ conference in London this Thursday, 9 July. Graham Hanson, head of the DfT’s traffic signs policy branch, will be contributing to the afternoon panel discussion. It’s not too late to book – visit TransportXtra.com/Shop or call 0845 270 7965