Ministry of Transport Circular on Safer Roads
Page 26
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THE Ministry of Transport has sent
a circular letter on the subject of safer roads to highway authorities in Great Britain. This draws attention to the preliminary report on fatal road accidents, and proceeds to deal with camber and super-elevation, pointing out that the grants from the Road Fund for resurfacing or reconstruction will, in future, be contingent upon the' elimination of excessive (anther and the introduction of super-elevation where this is practicable. Where' Super-elevation is applied to curves of less than 30.0_ ft. radius, it is neeessary to consider whether a realignment of the road would not be more advantageous.
The desire to secure smooth surfacing tends to militate against ,the Practices and specifications, recommended in Circular No. 282 (Roads). The .Minister hopes that local authorities vyill carefully review their methods in the light of these observations.
Skidding is sometimes attributed to sudden and unexpected changes in ad jacent surfacing materials. Every ' effort should be made towards uniformity of practice. Where necessary, proper footpaths and adequate grass or other margins for ridden horses and driven livestock must be provided. Unconsolidated gravel for footways cannot be recommended: Where the cost of footpaths cannot be justified, a level grass verge on at least one side should be secured. The letter also deals with the improvement of dangerous crossings and road intersections, mentioning the more general introduction of light signals, roundabouts and staggered crossings. Edge Protection on hillsides or embankments can best be afforded by turf or earthen walls.
.ha constructing new roads, provision should be made for the requirements of the future as regards capacity and public safety.
The recommendations as to traffic signs should be adopted as early as possible,' particularly the greater use of white lines and the erection of the major road ahead" sign.