Road Signage and Marking Problems

All motorists rely upon road signs being clearly visible, accurate and legal. Our client was developing a site in the Midlands; they were advised by the Local Authority that the access to the site should be via an approach road that to a busy town centre. Our client was not happy with this suggested access and approached Thomas Consulting to advise them. An alternative site access from another road was possible.

We undertook an assessment of the both the recommended access and the alternative. We concluded that the recommended access would be unsafe because of restricted visibility splays, and consequently a safer access in the form of a mini roundabout could be constructed on the alternative access. Our recommendations were accepted by the local authority and our client believes our suggested access also created a more prestigious entrance to the development and would help sales of their houses.

The access was duly constructed and opened, however, following an inspection by our engineers it was noted that the contractor had made an error with the signage; as shown on the photograph, the sign advising of the mini roundabout is incorrect. A mini roundabout sign is a circular blue sign with three white arrows not the red triangle that was erected.

It is not uncommon to find cases where traffic signs and road markings are not installed in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations. This can often lead to motorists being incorrectly prosecuted for traffic offences, we have been able to provide reports that have successfully had notices of prosecution withdrawn in such circumstances, If you, or your clients, believe they may have been incorrectly notified of an intended prosecution because of incorrect road signage or markings we may be able to assist you.