Page:Report of the Traffic Signs Committee (1963).pdf/29

 87. In order to diminish the number and complexity of waiting restriction signs we further recommend:—

(i) that in future they be placed at right angles to the street, with the legend on both sides of the sign, so that they may be more visible to moving traffic than is at present the case;

(ii) that their message be extended by the use (subject to experiments now being conducted in and near London) of a broken yellow line at the edge of the carriageway to indicate ordinary waiting restrictions and by a continuous yellow line where restrictions exist on loading and unloading as well as on other waiting. We understand that the experiments referred to above have already tended to indicate that the number of waiting restriction signs on posts can be reduced where yellow lines are used;

(iii) that, assuming this greater visibility to be achieved where signs are supplemented by yellow lines, the permitted distance between waiting restriction signs be increased to 300 feet but with repeater signs near junctions. The intervals between signs for peak-hour clearways should be 400 feet and for rural clearways one mile, both subject to repeaters being placed near junctions;

(iv) that terminal waiting restriction signs should have beneath them a black arrow on a white plate (figure 25a) pointing in the direction in which the restriction operates;

(v) that these arrows and such plates as may be necessary below the signs to indicate the details of waiting restrictions, loading and unloading restrictions and limited waiting provisions should be parallel with the street. Otherwise they may obstruct pedestrians and will require to be duplicated on both sides of the mounting post;

(vi) that the posts on which waiting restriction signs are mounted cease to be painted with black and yellow bands and that these and also the posts carrying the new clearway signs be painted grey as recommended in para graph 47; and

(vii) that where practicable waiting restriction signs should be mounted on existing structures (see paragraph 275).

88. Warning signs are distinguished by a red triangle containing a black symbol on a white ground.

89. Our Regulations prescribe different symbols for T junctions, staggered junctions and crossroads. Since three variants are possible for a T junction and two for a staggered junction, there are thus six junction warning signs prescribed for use in this country.

The Protocol prescribes a single generalised symbol in the form of a St. Andrew's cross (Appendix III figure A) for use at any form of junction between non-priority roads. We think that the more accurate diagrammatic indication of the form of the junction given by our existing symbols will continue to be more helpful to drivers than the generalised symbol of the Protocol sign. We therefore recommend that they be retained but placed within the warning triangle as shown in figures 32 to 35.