Page:Report of the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs (1946).djvu/27

 (iv) In general, the use of the words “dual carriageway” on informative signs should be reinforced by appropriate mandatory or prohibitory signs, e.g. “Keep Left,” “Turn Left,” or “No Entry.”

The other signs on which we recommend the use of the words “dual carriageway” are shown in diagrams 66 and 68 of Appendix VI.

Where two one-way carriageways diverge so far from each other as to become in effect two separate one-way roads, and where the land between the carriageways is maintained as other than part of the public highway, these lengths of road should be treated as s@parate one-way roads and not as parts of a dual carriageway. In these circumstances, the signs appropriate to one- way streets or roads should be used.

Temporary alternating one-way traffic

31. We are of opinion that where some temporary restriction of the carriageway width (e.g. because of road repairs) makes it necessary to work alternating one-way traffic, the appropriate authorised signs for control of traffic have not been used as frequently as is desirable. It should be obligatory on any body or person desiring to carry out works within the limits of a highway to advise the highway authority in advance, and highway authorities should have powers to require the body or person carrying out the works to use at choice either authorised “Stop” and “Go” signs (paragraph 99) or authorised temporary traffic signals (paragraph 177) in such numbers and positions as the highway authority, after consultation with the police, consider to be necessary in the interests of traffic safety and convenience. We recommend that the existing powers of highway authorities in this connection should be reviewed and strengthened as may be necessary.

Traffic Orders under Towns Police Clauses Act, 1847

32. Our attention has been drawn to a number of specially authorised prohibitory and mandatory signs giving notice of the effect of Orders made under Section 21 of the Towns Police Clauses Act, 1847. That section provides for the making of “Orders for the route to be observed by all carts, carriages, horses and persons and for preventing obstructions of the streets in all times of public processions, rejoicing, illuminations, and in any case when the streets are thronged or liable to be obstructed ...” It has been decided in the Courts that where congestion is chronic, Orders may be made applicable on every day of the week. The Act makes no provision for public advertisement or for the hearing of objections by interested parties, and the Orders do not require confirmation by any higher authority. We are of opinion that when a suitable opportunity occurs, the Minister should introduce legislation limiting to special and temporary occasions and circumstances the exercise by highway authorities of the powers under the Act to make Orders for the route to be followed by traffic.

The supply of traffic signs by persons or bodies other than highway authorities

33.. The provision, erection and maintenance of traffic signs is primarily the duty of the highway authorities, but the authorisation given to highway authorities to use or permit the use of signs supplied by certain approved organisations, viz. the Royal Automobile Club, the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, the Automobile Association and the Cyclists’ Touring Club, has worked well in practice and has been of particular value in connection with direction signposting, and we recommend that it be continued. It should be made quite clear, however, that this authority extends only to informative and