www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Upright Traffic Signs
Upright traffic signs may be divided into three types:
Warning Signs
Give warnings of hazards ahead and are usually triangular with a red border.
Regulatory Signs
Give notice of restrictions or prohibitions on the speed, movement and waiting times of vehicles. They are mostly circular with a red border, indicating a negative instruction, or with a blue background indicating a positive instruction. Most regulatory signs may be used only if an appropriate Traffic Regulation Order has been made.
Information Signs
Give information about routes, places and facilities. Direction signs are either rectangular or 'flag' type (pointed at one end) and used to guide drivers to their destinations by the most appropriate routes.
The Traffic Signs Manual issued by the Department for Transport gives guidance on the use, design and specification of traffic signs.
Tourism Signs
The Policy for providing signs to tourist establishments has been temporarily suspended pending a review of the eligibility criteria by the Wiltshire and Swindon Destination Management Partnership (the Policy was formally suspended on 2 nd October 2007).
The new Policy is likely to take several months to develop and unfortunately we are unable to consider new applications during this period. However, progress of the review will be posted on the County Council website when available.
Our Committee Papers site has a copy of the Cabinet Member's Report.
Vehicle Activated Signs
Following the success of the trialling of vehicle activated signs (VAS) in Wiltshire and other authorities, the Department for Transport has included VAS in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions. This allows Highway Authorities to use vehicle activated signs without the need to obtain specific Secretary of State approval. These signs are considered very effective in reducing traffic speeds. They are very popular with residents and it is extremely rare to receive negative feedback where they have been installed. Frequent requests are made for VAS but to help retain their effectiveness the Regulatory Committee has resolved that they should only be considered for installation as part of specific Local Safety Schemes where speed-related injury accidents have been identified.
Mirrors
A mirror is not prescribed in the Sign Regulations and therefore requires the formal approval of the Secretary of State for use within the public highway. It is not the practice of the County Council to apply for such authorisation as the road safety benefits of a mirror are very much in doubt. Mirrors can give a misleading image. They may cause problems of dazzle, due to reflected sunlight during the day or headlights at night. Drivers involved in accidents often seek to apportion blame and the erection of a mirror on the highway could result in claims against the Highway Authority.
Speed Limit Repeaters
The Regulations prohibit the provision of 30 mph repeater signs where there is a system of street lighting. As advised in the Highway Code, a 30 mph limit applies to all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
Street Name Plates
These signs are provided by the District Councils not the County Council.
Contact Details
By Post
Environmental Services Department
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14 8JN
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713000
By Fax
01225 751600
By Hand
County Hall, Trowbridge
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
