Essex Road Signs

Have You Experienced Dangerous Road Signs Or Markings?

Introduction

“Traffic signs and road markings play a vital role in directing, informing and controlling the road user’s behaviour.”

(1) Yet as a fully qualified driving instructor & coach, operating in and around the Basildon region we have come across anomalies with road signs and road markings.

As an advanced driver having completed numerous driving tests with DSA Special Cardington, (which I achieved a grade “A” in my first attempt) DIAmond Advanced & DIAmond Special Test, we were surprised that for years no one had done anything to correct these anomalies.

Certainly we have come across road markings which was in conflict with the road sign erected alongside. For example, one of the exits from an industrial estate in Basildon, where there is a STOP sign next to dotted give-way lines?
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Facts

  • In 1963, under the chairmanship of Sir Walter Worboys presented a report to the Secretary of State.
  • The recommendations included the introduction of entirely new traffic signs on all purpose roads.
  • The new signs were first prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 1964 which came into operation on 1st January 1965.
  • The current regulations are the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

Traffic Signs Manual 1982 (Amended 2004)

Reference will be made to Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 1. Section 1.26 states “In order to perform the function for which it is intended a sign must be capable of transmitting its message…at the right time…to road users…at the normal speed of the road.” Section 1.39 sub (i) “It’s siting along the road in relation to the …hazard”. I have come across warning signs which are erected in the wrong order of priority. Yet section 1.23 states “Signs are used to control and guide traffic and to promote road safety.” In particular on my travels I have noticed warning signs erected in the wrong order! Section 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual, subsection 1.25 (ii) Warning Signs “These signs give warnings of a hazard ahead.” Finally, in Roadcraft, the Police Driver’s Handbook page 40 it categorically states “On road signs the furthest hazard is shown at the bottom and the nearest at the top.” Reference (1) “Know your traffic signs”. Official Edition. Page 4.