Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 7 -The Design of Traffic Signs 2013.pdf/8



This chapter of the Traffic Signs Manual describes how sign faces are designed. It does not include the various methods by which signs are constructed and mounted.

Reference should be made to the appropriate chapter for the use, size and siting of signs (e.g. Chapter 4 for warning signs). For basic sign face layout, including the choice of destinations, in respect of directional signs, reference should be made to Local Transport Note 1/94: The Design and Use of Directional Informatory Signs, available from TSO or www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-transport-notes.

Any reference to "the Regulations" or "the Directions" is a reference to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and applicable to England, Scotland and Wales. Reference to a "diagram number" is a reference to a diagram in those Regulations. In Northern Ireland the appropriate legislation is the Traffic Signs Regulations (Northern Ireland).

The Traffic Signs Manual is applicable in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. References to "the Secretary of State" should therefore be interpreted as referring to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Department for Regional Development (Northern Ireland), the Scottish Government or the Welsh Government as appropriate.

The design rules contained in this chapter apply to new and replacement signs erected on all types of public highway. Where signs are to be provided in accordance with the current Traffic Signs (Welsh and English Language Provisions) Regulations and General Directions, further guidance on the design of the sign faces should be sought from the Welsh Government (see also para 1.12).

Appendix A lists those signs prescribed by the Regulations for which working drawings are available at www.gov.uk/working-drawings-for-traffic-signs. These drawings, in the “P” series, cover signs which are generally of a fixed design such as triangular warning signs. Certain other signs which have special design rules are also included. Before designing a sign, reference should therefore be made to Appendix A.

This chapter deals with those signs which are designed for a specific requirement or location such as the directional informatory signs in Parts I, II and X of Schedule 7 to the Regulations. For most of these signs, working drawings have not been provided as it is not possible to include all the relevant design details associated with the permitted variants.

Section 2 of this chapter sets out the basic design rules applicable to all rectangular signs. Sections 3 to 11 deal with directional informatory signs, section 12 certain regulatory signs (mainly time plates), section 13 temporary signs for road works, and section 14 other sign design matters.

Appendix B lists those symbols which may be used on the various types of sign included in this chapter. These include both general symbols (e.g. bus, bicycle and aircraft) and those indicating specific tourist and leisure attractions. The designs for these symbols are detailed on working drawings. Further design guidance on the use of symbols is given in section 14.

1.10 Occasionally a sign that is not prescribed by the Regulations may be authorised on behalf of the Secretary of State for placing on a public highway. Where the Department produces a drawing of such a sign for authorisation purposes, the number will be prefixed “NP” (“Non-Prescribed”). Before proceeding with any new design, it should be ascertained whether a drawing is already in existence. Where a sign does not have a working drawing, the designer should follow as closely as possible the design principles set out on the working drawings and in this chapter. Some older non-prescribed drawings prefixed WBM ("Worboys series B - Metric") will continue to be used for special authorisation purposes until replaced by new drawings. Working drawings for non-prescribed general symbols and tourist attraction symbols are prefixed "NS" and "NT" respectively. All non-prescribed signs must be submitted for special authorisation.

The Regulations refer to approved tourist attraction symbols. These are shown on drawings prefixed "A" and may be used without the need for special authorisation (see Appendix B).

Workings drawings for Welsh and English bilingual signs can be found by following the link at www.gov.uk/working-drawings-for-traffic-signs.