Page:Report of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs (1946).djvu/22



Size of traffic signs

17. We do not recommend any general change in the size of traffic signs. In a number of cases, however, we recommend variation of existing dimensions to accommodate amended wording or altered size of letters, or in order to reduce to the minimum the number of standard sizes of sign plates. The dimensions which we recommend for different signs are indicated on the diagrams, but the over-all dimensions given for direction signs are approximate only, and may require to be varied according to the number and size of letters used in the place names and route numbers.

Colour of traffic signs

18. Unless otherwise indicated in the diagrams, the symbols, letters and numbers on all signs should be black on a white ground.

On several existing authorised signs in common use, white lettering on a black, red or blue ground is employed. In our view these colour combinations do not give maximum conspicuity or legibility, and we recommend that black letters on a white ground be substituted, except in the case of official car park signs and signs restricting waiting, in which the use of white letters on a blue ground is in accord with International practice, and in the case of the temporary sign “Road Works Ahead” recommended in paragraph 65.

In the special case of approach direction-signs in urban areas, we recommend the use of a coloured background, outside the standard black and white panels, to give additional conspicuity. This point is referred to in detail) in paragraphs 121 and 124.

Where the diagrams indicate that the colours “signal red,” “traffic green” or “traffic blue” should be used, the colours are those standardised under these descriptions in the British Standards Institution’s Schedule of Colours for Ready Mixed Paints, B.S.S. No. 381—1930, and in the Addendum to that Schedule dated February, 1932.

On signs provided by approved organisations, the use of the colours of the organisation is permitted—see paragraphs 34 and 35.

Materials for traffic signs and posts

19. The sign plates and posts should be of sound construction and good material, and the posts should be in proportion to the signs which they support and free from excessive ornamentation. The construction of cast metal signs and posts already forms the subject of a British Standard Specification (No. 873 —1939), and we recommend that further specifications should be prepared -by the British Standards Institution covering any other materials which are, or may in future be, in common use for the construction of traffic signs. When these specifications are issued, all signs erected thereafter should be required to conform to the appropriate specification.

Posts carrying traffic signs should be painted with alternate black and white horizontal bands approximately 12 in. in depth.

We agree with a suggestion made by the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society that the most satisfactory type of post for public footpath signs (see paragraph 125) should be a square post of hardwood, or, failing hardwood, the post should be of concrete. The cross arm should also be of wood.

Maintenance of traffic signs

20. We desire to emphasise the importance of adequate maintenance of traffic signs. Lack of maintenance (e.g. painting and cleaning) may result in