LOCAL authorities are being warned to stay on the right side of the law in the battle to keep traffic on the move.<\/p>\n
New guidance laid down by the Department for Transport (DfT)* spells out the legal requirements for variable message signs.<\/p>\n
And councils are being urged to ensure all roadside units capable of displaying changing text or pictograms make the grade.<\/p>\n
Brian Lyus, of the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM), said: \u201cIncreasing numbers of authorities are now using digital signs to get their message across.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut compliance and quality can sometimes be neglected in the face of price pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuidance issued by the DfT recently spells out the requirements for variable message signs laid down in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (TSRGD).<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a reminder that councils must tread very carefully to ensure they don\u2019t break the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n
Variable message signs hit national headlines last year when a unit showing a temporary speed limit was found to contravene the DfT guidelines.<\/p>\n
Mr Lyus says traffic displays must conform to the regulations or those using them face the risk of non-compliance and the creation of an unenforceable sign.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cSome councils may still be unaware of legal requirements for the form of the displays as well as the messages, fonts and colours to be used on UK roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd permanently-installed variable message signs must conform to EN 12966 and be CE marked.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously important to get signing right, both for maximum prominence and from aspects of safety and compliance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The DfT Traffic Advisory Leaflet spells out requirements for the signs on aspects including form of display, sign housing and messages.<\/p>\n
And David Skinner, of Rennicks UK, believes anyone involved in the delivery of services for the road network should familiarise themselves with it.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe guidance enables local authorities and other highways operators to clearly see their obligations when it comes to signage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no longer any ambiguity and, as the requirements are laid down in black and white, there\u2019s also no excuse for getting it wrong.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur signs are a significant step forward in terms of technology and yet, importantly, they\u2019re all fully compliant with DfT guidelines.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, it\u2019s our customer who controls the displayed message, but at Rennicks, we also offer advice surrounding the lawful creation of road traffic signage.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LOCAL authorities are being warned to stay on the right side of the law in the battle to keep traffic on the move.<\/p>\n
New guidance laid down by the Department for Transport (DfT)* spells out the legal requirements for variable message signs.<\/p>\n
And councils are being urged to ensure all roadside units capable of displaying <\/p>\n