The paper examines recent developments in the design of traffic signs in the UK and considers whether improved direction signing is compatible with enhancing the highway environment. The Guildford and London signing projects are reviewed and the proposed changes analyzed in terms of driver benefit and environmental impact. In particular, the use of coloured panels and symbols for tourist destinations on direction signs and the incorporation of other types of sign is compared to the more conventional use of place names and route numbers. The role of traffic signs in providing information to the road user is assessed in the context of the trend towards the introduction of in-vehicle route guidance systems and of other measures to reduce traffic congestion. In the future, direction signs may focus on confirming the choice of route and indicating local destinations. Therefore, the challenge is to provide signs that are clearly understood by all groups of road users, are consistent with traffic control systems and thus assist in the effective management of highway networks, and are designed to an acceptable environmental standard.
Abstract