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Don't blame the drivers when signs are wrong
Page 30
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IN CM 6 SEPTEMBER you said "a fifth of drivers simply ignore any road signs they don't recognise".This may be true but it is not helped by the fact that many road signs do not comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGDs) 1994 and 2002.
There is also confusion where the Highway Code attempts to apply rules to the meaning of the background colour of signs. For example, a blue background denotes an advisory sign whereas a yellow background signifies a warning. But in recent years we have seen a plethora of new signs 'mixing and matching' coloured backgrounds.
For whatever reason, the highway authorities have seen fit to design their own signage with little or no reference to the TSRCiDs. On more than one occasion this has resulted in enforcement agencies having to withdraw fixed penalty notices and even repay fines. But the errant signs remain unchanged.
Before anyone starts bleating about drivers ignoring signs, would it not be better for those putting them up to be made to comply with the very clear regulations concerning the layout, colouring, positioning and application of those signs?
Richard Jordan Bristol