In this article we show where the parking signage in the UK needs to be improved, and how it can be done, in many cases saving money in maintenance costs, but in all cases benefitting safety and clarity. The parking regulations on each street can also be reviewed and simplified to reduce clutter on the signs. If possible, then one can also try to simplify parking regulations so that for example, if one had parked for 30 mins, then one cannot return for 30 mins (and so on, then one would not need to state "No return within x mins or hours" on the sign). But there is no harm in having "No return within x min or h", if it is still needed. Most important is that all signs are converted to be fully metric and also have 24 hour time. Shown below are the signs:
Conversion to metric of parking 400m ahead sign. Two possible methods of conversion are shown. Note that the existing measurement can be plated over.
already in use so it makes sense to extend the usage of those where practical.
Suggested disc parking sign. There is no need
to state "disc holders only" anywhere.
to state "disc holders only" anywhere.
Before and after conversion for Parking for permit holders only. Any permit symbol could be used, and symbols are always preferred to words.
Possible conversions of "Resident permit holders only". It is recommended to either to go for house and/or flat symbol, or a residential permit symbol. I believe the text A2 is superfluous.
Two possible signs, both suitable for representing metered and/or pay and display parking.
Possible conversions of doctor permit holders parking. As stated before, symbolic is always preferred where possible.
Suggested new loading only and good vehicles loading only permitted signs.
Removing some big clutter. The sign on the right is a lot less cluttered, but the parking restrictions could do with a lot of simplifying.
 Parking garage, a suggested new sign |  Parking zone sign, a suggested new sign. |
 End of parking zone sign, can be used at the end of all parking zones |  Suggested new park and ride sign. |
For the suggested new park and ride sign, this is independent of public transport type (train, bus, underground, tram, etc.), and in addition, if there is more than one type of transport that one can ride on after parking, then the same sign can be used.
Disc parking zone, before and after conversion.
Voucher parking zone, before and after conversion. The sign looks more clearer after conversion.
Direction signs to park and ride, before and after conversion, including conversion to metric. The symbolic signs look much easier to read.
The examples above show how parking signs can be made clearer, easier to read, and more visible after converting to metric, 24 hour, and wholly symbolic signs. There are some cases where the signs could be bigger after conversion, but many of the signs would be smaller if they needed to be replaced. The main benefit is in safety as the signs are clearer to read. In addition, simplifying the parking rules will prevent misunderstandings and reduce the information needed on the signs.
Note that some images appering in this article (all of which have © Crown Copyright 2007 below them) are copyright but covered by copyright waiver, the original source of these images is the Know your traffic signs booklet. All other road signs artwork was created by myself.
Unfortunately, you are missing from your signs the "No Return within" restriction, which forms part of the traffic regulation order - otherwise there is nothing to stop a driver simply driving round the block and parking up again.
ReplyDeleteAlso are you not conflicting the loading bay signs by advertising them as Parking AND loading, whereas the existing sign makes it clear it is for loading only?
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate your feedback. Yes, those are very good points, and I have updated the "No return within" on the signs, and updated the Loading signs accordingly.
ReplyDeleteI had originally hoped that 1h could mean both "1 hour limit" and "no return within 1 hour". But that would need a big public education, and is certainly not an important change. We can still use "No return within x min" or "No return within x h".
What would be nice is to see if we can come up with a symbolic way of saying "No return within", so that we can put that symbol and 1h or 30min whatever the time length was.
Why have you removed the symbol on the park and ride sign, when a large part of your idea was to make signs more symbolic?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous (14 May 2011) - I see where you are coming from, and at first sight it does look like I've removed the bus / British Rail symbol and replaced that with an R character.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, a single letter or letters can also be used for some symbols or as part of some symbols. So I think we can say the sign is still symbolic after conversion. By using a P+R symbol, the sign becomes generic so it is independent of whether one gets on a bus or train after parking, and the signs can be smaller and cheaper to maintain ;)
And using a P+R sign especially helps if there is a park and ride where one has a choice of either buses or trains next to the same car park.
Yes, you are right, making signs more symbolic is a large and important part of my idea.
I suggest recommending that the sign that means mini roundabout be applicable for all roundabouts, as per the Vienna Convention.
ReplyDelete