Page:The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1975 (UKSI 1975-1536).pdf/200

 44. Nothing in these Directions shall be taken to limit the power of the Secretary of State by any special Direction to dispense with, add to or modify any of the requirements of these Directions in their application to any particular case.

This Instrument may be cited as the "Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1975", and shall come into operation on 3rd November 1975.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This Note is not part of the Instrument.)

The Instrument in Part I re-enacts with amendments and consolidates the Traffic Signs Regulations 1964 (S.I. 1964/1857) together with the amending Regulations set out in Part II of Schedule 8 to the Instrument, the Traffic Signs (Disqualification for Offences) Regulations 1969 (S.). 1969/1270), the Traffic Signs (School Crossing Patrols) Regulations 1968 (S.1. 1968/1826) and the Traffic Signs (Motorway Speed Limits) Regulations 1965 (S.I. 1965/2085). Dimensions governing the sizes of traffic signs (but not dimensions displayed on them) are now expressed in metric units of measurement. Apart from these changes, other principal changes are:—

1. Regulation 7 applies section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 (which makes it an offence for drivers to fail to comply with the indication given by certain traffic signs lawfully placed on roads), and the disqualification for offences provisions of that Act, to a new design of stop sign shown in diagram 601.1 and to flashing red stop signals prescribed by Regulation 31(3) for use on motorways.

2. Regulation 7(1) also applies section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1972 to the "GIVE WAY" sign shown in diagram 602 when used with the plate shown in diagram 602.1 at certain level crossings to require drivers to give way to trains.

3. Regulation 12 controls in more detail the way in which many signs may be varied and in particular restricts the use of fractions to show distances on signs.