Page:Report of the Traffic Signs Committee (1963).pdf/57



207. We recommend use of the sign at figure 142 modified to show the words 'Stop. Weight check'.

208. Regulation 24 prescribes a flashing red light to give warning of need for special care and the colours of the structure upon which it shall be supported. A draft amendment to the Protocol states that an intermittent red light shall mean that road users may not pass, and we therefore recommend that these beacons shall show a flashing amber light instead of red : also that the supporting structures of the flashing light should in future all be painted with red and white sloping bands, thus excluding the variant of black and white at present permitted.

Present Regulations do not specify who should be permitted to use a temporary flashing beacon though in fact they are most often used by the police. We recommend that their use be permitted by the police, highway authorities, motoring organisations, the Road Research Laboratory and road work contractors with the consent of the appropriate highway authority.

209. Although not themselves traffic signs bollards usually incorporate signs (most frequently Keep left) and they play an important role in the control and safety of traffic. We have, therefore, thought it proper to consider them.

210. Present designs of bollards in the United Kingdom are based on British Standard No. 873 : 1959 which includes requirements as regard height, width, colour, illumination and reflectorisation. In the main, bollards are of two types: one has a box-shaped head with a tapering cruciform stem and the other is basically a straight-sided box. When used on roundabouts or on islands in high speed roads, bollards often have a considerably larger head which is wider than the stem. Most bollards are internally illuminated. The European Protocol stipulates no requirements for bollards. They are less widely used abroad and vary greatly in their structure. Such signs as they carry are invariably expressed in symbols rather than words.

The design standard of many existing bollards is very poor, particularly those with cruciform or small diameter circular stems both of which designs fail on the grounds of inadequate conspicuity and poor appearance. We understand that the British Standard is being amended and we suggest that the Institution be asked to give more attention to performance standards and that local authorities ensure that bollards they purchase conform to the amended standard.

211. Protocol practice, which we recommend, calls for bollards to incorporate a white arrow or arrows on a blue ground (figures 14 and 97). Bollards will have to be redesigned and we suggest that a well qualified designer be appointed to do this. He should take into account the following factors :—

(i) Height

The bollard should not be so high that small children are obscured or the line of sight of drivers of low-seated cars blocked.