Page:Report of the Traffic Signs Committee (1963).pdf/96

 Signals on high-speed roads should be more conspicuous. Overhead signals may be necessary on these roads. These signals should, if possible, be suspended from existing structures, but if a special gantry is necessary it should be designed with regard to amenity (paragraph 248).

Overhead signals may also be necessary to control tidal flow, showing a vertical green arrow to indicate movement permitted and a red cross to indicate that movement is prohibited. These signals should be repeated at intervals of not more than 300 yards. They should not be so placed that they can be confused with signals controlling intersections (paragraph 248).

Highway authorities should more frequently review, and if necessary have removed, distracting lights placed in the line of traffic signals. The use of backing boards may assist conspicuity; when used they should be black. Signal heads should be entirely black instead of banded as now. The design of signal heads should be improved (paragraph 249).

The growth of traffic, especially in urban areas, makes it necessary to give pedestrians more help in crossing the road safely.

There should be more use of vertical green arrows to prevent turning traffic and during this time to allow pedestrians to use the parallel crossing safely. At complex junctions the general rule should be that pedestrians should watch the traffic and that turning traffic should give way to crossing pedestrians.

The Cross signal to pedestrians should be in white and be indicated by a symbol.

At certain junctions additional signals should be installed for the assistance of pedestrians.

Where there are one-way systems signal heads facing away from the traffic should be masked so as to show a small cross so that pedestrians can be warned before traffic starts to move (paragraph 251).

In place of the metal studs now used at pedestrian crossings a non-skid, durable and visible material should be used (paragraph 253). The present zebra markings and amber flashing beacons are satisfactory and no change is recommended (paragraphs 254 and 255).

The beacon posts should continue to be painted with black and white bands for the sake of emphasis and in the interest of pedestrian safety (paragraph 256).

Regulations should be amended to require a considerably higher standard of illumination of traffic signs.

All warning, mandatory and prohibitory signs other than waiting restriction signs but including all speed limit signs other than repeaters, and all advance direction signs should be illuminated by direct lighting wherever there is street lighting. This direct lighting should be maintained throughout the night even