Page:Report of the Traffic Signs Committee (1963).pdf/52

 If the use of a pedestrian subway is made legally compulsory, the sign should be mandatory but as far as we know that is nowhere the case in this country. We therefore recommend that the sign be prescribed in the informatory form as shown in figure 123.

187. The legend on this sign, which is used at half-barriered level crossings is visible only when internally illuminated. No change is recommended.

188. A number of local authorities have already followed the Continental practice of showing the names of important or historic rivers by means of signs on or near bridges. The designs of these differ. Sometimes the name of the bridge as well as the river is included and also the county crest. We think these signs are useful and interesting and we recommend the sign at figure 131.

189. We believe that it would be helpful to drivers, particularly on long stretches of rural road, if signs were erected indicating the distance to the nearest public telephone especially where it is in an inconspicuous position away from the road. The sign should be used sparingly but where it is needed we recommend that it take the form shown in figure 114.

190. Signs are frequently used on the Continent to indicate camping sites or the way to them. These signs can be helpful to tourists and may promote safety by preventing indecision in the minds of drivers seeking such sites. We therefore recommend that where signs are needed they should take the form shown in figures 124, 125, 126 and 128, the appropriate symbol or symbols being used for sites accommodating campers using tents or caravans.

191. These signs too are frequently used on the Continent. Where signs are needed in this country we recommend that they be as shown in figures 127 and 128.

192. The efficient signing of obstructions on the highway is clearly of the greatest importance to road safety. Road works are much the commonest form of obstruction and differ from the rest, such as vehicle accidents, breakdowns, landslip and soil subsidence, in being for the most part predictable and so allowing time for warning signs to be put up in advance.

193. At present the official requirements for signing temporary road obstructions are set out in two Traffic Safety Codes issued jointly by the Departments. One is concerned with all-purpose roads only, as distinct from motorways, but