DfT launches biggest review into traffic signs for 40 years
The British traffic signing system will undergo its biggest overhaul in 40 years following an announcement from Transport Minister Norman Baker.
A review revealed by the Department for Transport could aim to cut down the number of signs erected by councils, not only to make savings but also avoid confusion.
Councils will be granted greater freedom and will no longer be required to secure Government permission to put up signs every time.
Announcing the review, Norman Baker explained: “Sometimes the jungles of signs and tangles of white, red and yellow lines can leave people more confused than informed.
“This expensive clutter can also leave our roadsides looking unsightly and unwelcoming, so the changes I am announcing today will help councils cut the number of signs they need to use.”
However, new signs could be introduced to indicate parking spaces with charging points for EVs while a separate sign will warn lorry drivers when their sat nav is taking them down an unsuitable road, potentially avoiding disruption for other road users. Councils will be able to add pedestrian countdown timers and diagonal crossings without Government approval.
Pointless bureaucracy
Mr Baker [pictured] said the “most far-reaching review of traffic signs in 40 years” is centred around making councils think whether some signs necessary at all.
“These changes will ultimately save councils money and lead to more attractive streets which improve the quality of life for local people,” he added.
“We are cutting pointless bureaucracy, giving councils more freedoms, and updating our suite of signs for the modern era.
“We want to make sure that there is consistency across the country while allowing local authorities greater discretion in how they use signs on their roads rather than demanding they get approval from Whitehall for signs they need to use regularly.”
Guidance will soon be issued to councils on how to identify and remove unnecessary traffic signs.
You can read the full ‘Signing the way: traffic signs policy’ review here – dft.gov.uk/publications/signing-the-way
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