Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/97

 diagram 618.3A, the loading prohibition shown on the sign to diagram 637.2 should relate to the period when the zone is operational, but the centre panel is blank. Where access is permitted for disabled badge holders or permit holders, any loading ban operating at the same time (e.g. to prevent parking in certain areas) will need to be fully signed and marked. Where the conditions for dispensing with kerb marks are not fully met, but it is considered desirable to omit the markings, the Department, if in agreement, will issue a special direction to a traffic authority to permit this.

Where the prohibition of waiting within a zone is continuous and indicated by double yellow lines, upright signs are not required unless there is a prohibition of loading. Where the prohibition of waiting is indicated by single yellow lines and the entry sign is to diagram 618.3 or 618.3A, the sign to diagram 637.2 could be used instead of the signs described in section 6, provided that the waiting restrictions do not apply outside the operational period of the pedestrian zone.

Where full signing of waiting and loading restrictions is provided in accordance with section 6, the zone entry sign may be to diagram 618.2. Where the times of the prohibition of waiting vary within the zone, an entry sign to either diagram 618.3 or 618.3A is not appropriate because the bottom panel cannot indicate the variation. In these circumstances the entry sign should be to diagram 618.2. However, should access be required for loading or for taxis, i.e. exceptions which are not permitted variants of diagram 618.2, traffic authorities must seek authorisation from the Department for the lower panel to be omitted from either diagram 618.3 or 618.3A. This will be considered only where full signing and marking of the prohibition of waiting and loading is to be provided.

The sign to diagram 637.2 is prescribed in one size only. Where road markings are provided, signs should be sited in accordance with para 6.34. Note that arrows cannot be added to the sign and therefore the first sign should be sited within 15 m of where the restriction starts, but not at the commencement. Where signs are used without road markings, they should be placed strategically rather than at fixed intervals. The aim should be that wherever drivers might be tempted to stop, they can see a sign. The spacing between consecutive signs, whether or not they are on the same side of the road, should be no more than 30 m. They may be mounted on lamp columns or separate posts. Alternatively, it might be possible to mount the signs on walls. Where posts are used in a fully—paved pedestrian area, these might best be located close to buildings where they are least likely to obstruct pedestrians. The posts may be of any single colour, which could be chosen to blend in with the adjacent building. In roads where bollards have been provided, these might offer convenient mounting points. However, they will not usually be wide enough to accommodate a sign. Low mounting also risks obscuration by pedestrians. Any projecting edges are soon damaged and can present a hazard to pedestrians, especially children. The Regulations do not permit signs to be curved around bollards. This reduces conspicuity and makes the legend more difficult to read. Signs may be curved only when this is a permitted variant, e.g. diagram 561. 95