Page:Report of the Traffic Signs Committee (1963).pdf/18

 (b) to adopt generally the Protocol system, which we believe is collectively the most efficient of those examined, and which permits considerable latitude and variation, but to modify individual signs where necessary;

(c) to increase the size of the United Kingdom signs at present in use.

37. We recommend that the second course be followed. Our reasons for doing so are these:—

(a) by largely eliminating words Protocol signs have the advantage of being able to use a larger symbol; they also obtain a greater impact upon drivers by placing the symbol within the triangle or circle so that both meet the eye together; the Protocol signs, when learnt, would therefore be the most effective;

(b) in the interests of road safety it is important that signs in this country should be easily understood by as many drivers from overseas as possible; Protocol type signs would be familiar to those from the Continent and to many visitors from other parts of the world;

(c) British visitors to the Continent would be faced with fewer unfamiliar signs; and

(d) such a step would be in accord with the general trend towards closer contact with the Continent.

38. We do not believe that there is any need to try to design a new system of signs since we are satisfied that the 1949 Protocol system, modified and amplified where this is essential to meet the particular needs of traffic conditions in the United Kingdom, would be as well suited for use in this country as it is on the Continent. The fact that it is under constant review by the Inland Transport Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe should ensure that improvements to it are made whenever these are thought to be necessary and are internationally acceptable. It is a living system subject to constant scrutiny, development and adaptation to changing needs.

39. There seemed to us little virtue in retaining the existing system of United Kingdom signs in an enlarged form and improving their night-time visibility. Such a course would do nothing to overcome certain of the defects of the system, in particular its wordiness and lack of integration.

40. Hitherto traffic signs on all-purpose roads have exclusively employed capital letters. Motorway signs, however, are in lower-case lettering with initial capitals. They have been in use now for some time and have received very general approval.

41. We have been concerned to ensure that the type of lettering used on all purpose roads should be both effectively legible by drivers who may be travelling at high speeds, and also aesthetically acceptable. A further factor which we have