Traeng040714rep4a 13381

Highway & Engineering Services Streetscene - Traffic Signs Working Group Report and Action Plan
Streetscene Review
Traffic Signs on the Highway
Report of the Traffic Signs

Working Group (Jan 2004)
Highway & Engineering

Services Department
David Green
Director
Town Hall, Bebington
Wirral, Merseyside CH63 7PT
E:\inetpub\wwwroot\internet_draft\minute\public\TRAeng040714rep4a_13381.doc
Simon J Fox Page 0 12/07/04

Streetscene Review
Traffic Signs on the Highway
Contents Page
1. Synopsis 2
2. Introduction 2
3. Terms of Reference 3
4. Current Departmental Procedures 3
5. Proposed Improvement Strategy 9
Appendix A – Photographs 13
Appendix B – Action Plan 17

1.0 Synopsis
1.1 This report describes the establishment of a working group to investigate the
issue of traffic signs on the highway in Wirral. The report includes a review of current
practice and provides a proposed strategy for improvements together with an action
plan detailing proposed actions, responsibilities, realistic timescales, and likely
resource implications arising from the proposals.
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Following discussions at weekly Streetscene Review meetings it was agreed

that a number of different perceived problem areas associated with Streetscene within
the Highway & Engineering Services Department will be chosen for review. It was
proposed that an action plan be developed indicating how procedures and working
practices could be improved to help provide a more efficient and effective service. An
independent senior officer within the Department not usually directly involved with the
area of work concerned would champion each item for consideration.
2.2 One of the areas chosen was Traffic Signs. It has been recognised and
accepted that there are number of issues in relation to traffic signs on the highway
(within the Streetscene environment) which need addressing, including the following:
• Cleaning of signs
• Illumination (internal / external)
• Illumination responsibility and policy
• Siting, use of lighting columns
• Authorisation, co-ordination of installations
• Inspection and scouting regimes
• Available budgets
• Quality / standards (mounting heights, reinstatements etc.)
• Redundant signs / posts
2.3 Photographs indicating some examples of bad practice and poorly maintained
signs have been included at Appendix A.
2.4 A working group was set up to look at the issues and to report on proposals for
improvements. The group met on a regular basis and consulted with colleagues
throughout the Department during the compilation of this report and the associated
action plan. The group members were as follows:
Traffic Signs Working Group

- Malcolm Alexander (Chair)
- Mike Wilkinson
- Shaun Brady
- Ian Ramsden
- Ken Clowes
- Kevin Ellis
- Simon Fox

3.0 Terms of Reference

3.1 Following an initial meeting on 7 January 2004 the group agreed that the terms
of reference would be restricted to permanent traffic signs on the adopted highway
network. Temporary signs (including AA destination signs and roadworks signs) and
signing associated with Homewatch, Dog Fouling and Alcohol Free Zones has not
been considered as permanent traffic signs within the scope of this report.
Carriageway markings, marker posts and road studs are also excluded from
consideration. However, it should be noted that the maintenance of many of these
items shares common budgets with permanent traffic signs. It was agreed that the
objective of the group would be: “ To produce an Action Plan by 6 February 2004
which will identify improvements in the way the Department specifies, designs,
procures, funds, maintains and monitors the Borough’s Streetscene-related traffic
signs, thereby reducing clutter, reducing maintenance costs and improving the
effectiveness of the signing ”.
3.2 The group would be required to feed its findings back to the weekly Streetscene
Review group meetings chaired by the Director.
3.3 The group decided to consider and record current practice and procedures
within the Department as a first stage and to thereafter consider a proposed strategy
and action plan to deliver improvements in efficiency and effectiveness. These
procedures were divided into 6 main areas as follows:
• Provision
• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Adoption
• Records
• Budgets
4.0 Current Departmental Procedures
Provision of New Signs:
4.1 Issues considered included: how signs are designed and the standards used;
who procures signs and why; the contractors who erect signs and how they are
controlled.
4.2 Traffic signs on the highway broadly fall into five main categories:
• Warning signs (e.g. triangular “bend ahead” etc.)

• Regulatory signs (e.g. roundel speed restrictions, “no U-turns” or small rectangular
“no waiting” plates etc.)
• Informatory signs (e.g. “no through road”, district boundary etc.)
• Directional signing (i.e. Primary route signs on green background, non-primary
route on white)
• Tourism signing (tourist site destinations and attractions on brown background)

4.3 All traffic signs on the highway must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations
and General Directions 2002, which is a Statutory Instrument (SI 2002 No. 3113). The
regulations contain diagrams of the allowable signs, their required size and text
heights, details of any permitted variants and schedules of details concerning the
combinations of signs which may be used, illumination requirements etc. Further
detailed guidance on issues such as siting, spacing (number of signs required) and
mounting heights etc. is contained in the various chapters of The Traffic Signs Manual.
No variations or departures from the regulations are permitted without first obtaining
approval from the Secretary of State through the GONW or DfT. The approval
process involved can be complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, wherever
practicable, all signing is designed strictly in accordance with the regulations.
However, clearly some degree of flexibility could be considered in some
circumstances, in particular to avoid issues of sign ‘clutter’ and consequent
maintenance resource implications (see photo 1 Appendix A).
4.4 Traffic signs and their layout may be designed and specified in-house, usually
by Traffic Management Division, or by consulting engineers employed by the
Department (whose designs would be checked in the Department). The electrical
specifications for illuminated signs are designed by the Street Lighting Section and are
incorporated into the standard highway contract document used within the Department
and by consultants employed by the Department. The regulations allow illuminated
signs to be lit from either an internal or external source. In recent years the
technology available for internally illuminated signs has improved considerably
(including more durable plastics with fully reflectorized sign faces) which has made
internally illuminated signs a more viable alternative. Recently several new internally
illuminated signs have been erected at a number of sites within the Borough and since
the locations have been recorded on Street Lighting’s database (see 4.14) the
opportunity exists to make an assessment of their long-term performance and
potential cost effectiveness. It should also be noted that changes in the regulations
mean that some signs formerly requiring illumination do not now require it and could
be replaced with reflectorized sign faces, but due to lack of historical records their
locations may be unknown.
4.5 For new works or improvement projects where a number of signs are required,
sign schedules and drawings or layout plans are produced by the designer. The
individual scheme designer in the Traffic Management or Highway Improvements
Divisions now generally holds such records in electronic format as lists and/or CAD
drawings on an ad hoc basis. Generally, for schemes designed in Highway
Improvements, there will be consultation with Traffic management who will then
design the necessary signing and carriageway markings and produce the required
drawings and sign schedules for the contract documents in accordance with the
regulations. Where orders are raised for individual replacement signs as a
maintenance activity such drawings may not always be produced. There appears to
be little formal consultation between the designer and the maintaining organisation
(Highway Maintenance Division) concerning the maintenance implications or
practicalities of the designs produced (i.e. planning of illuminated connection supply;
risk of vehicular impact or vandalism; risk of vegetation obscuring sign, access for
maintenance etc.). Construction details and specifications for signs are contained
within the Departmental Standard Detail Drawings, which are compiled and updated
by Highway Improvements Division. The details include required foundation
dimensions, post sizes, post painting specification and clearance height (generally

2.1m minimum which has been increased to 2.4m in some circumstances). Non-
illuminated signs can also be fixed to lighting columns where practicable to avoid post
clutter but there are structural implications arising from the resultant wind loading on
columns, some of which may be in poor condition. Street Lighting Section
recommends a maximum sign surface area of 0.5sq m per column for individual signs
or sign combinations because of column manufacturers’ guarantee issues. However,
this policy obviously results in additional post-mounted signs contributing to general
sign clutter.
4.6 New traffic signs may be required to be erected on the highway for a variety of
reasons including: new works or improvement schemes (junction improvements; local
safety schemes; traffic-calming; environmental restrictions etc.); requests from Council
Members or the public; requests from private organisations or other Departments (e.g.
tourist site destination signs etc.).
4.7 Contractors who erect traffic signs on the highway may be private civil
engineering contractors, engaged on an individual contract basis by the Department.
In most cases, the Department’s own Operational Services Division are be employed
on an individual contract or engaged to provide signing to works instructions (BEWI)
raised in accordance with Departmental standard details at rates set in the annual
service contract. The contract currently in place with Operational Services Division
has two parts: “Minor Works” for work > £10k, and “Maintenance” for works < £10k,
each with a different set of rates. The specification applying to the Minor Works
contract is quite clearly defined and identical to the specification used in the standard
Departmental contract developed in Highway Improvements Division for tendered
works. However, the specification applying to the Maintenance Contract, which is
likely to apply to the majority of sign provision for maintenance reasons, is less clearly
defined and may require clarification. For illuminated traffic signs, wherever possible,
supplies are provided by looping from the existing street lighting supply and if
practicable mounting on existing lighting columns, which may be carried out by the
Operational Services Division or a private electrical sub-contractor working to the
Department’s own specifications. Where this cannot be achieved, a supply needs to
be taken direct from the Manweb Scottish Power low voltage cable network. For
legislative reasons such connections can only be made by the electrical utility’s own
contractor, and this can lead to considerable delays whilst waiting for Manweb
Scottish Power to carry out connections to new or replacement signs, because the
supply is un-metered and consequently of a low priority to Manweb Scottish Power.
4.8 The individual engineer, technician or inspector responsible for the contract or
works instruction concerned generally carries out supervision of traffic signs provision
and construction. There are some known workmanship issues in relation to traffic sign
installation (in particular achieving the specified foundation size) which can be difficult
to monitor. Other problems, such as reinstatement of areas around new post
installations can be verified more easily subject to an inspection being made after
construction. This supervision and inspection process is sometimes not carried out
properly where individual replacement signs have been ordered, because of poor
communication between the specifying Division and the contractor or budget holder.
In particular Operational Services Division may not always notify the BEWI originator
when the work is programmed and / or completed, and sometimes the budget holder
may process payment before the specifier has checked the completed site works.
Where sign provision forms part of a larger highway project (e.g. junction

improvement) the signs provided are subject to the same contractual maintenance
period conditions as any other engineering works carried out (i.e. the contractor is
responsible for correcting any premature defects for a period of up to 12 months
following substantial completion of the works). Thereafter, the signing will become the
responsibility of Highway Maintenance Division. There is no formal process for a
specific post-completion check to be made by Traffic Management Division to confirm
that the signing layout provided meets the standards specified in the scheme sign
schedule or traffic regulations.
Inspection of Traffic Signs:
4.9 Routine condition inspections of the highway network and associated

infrastructure are currently carried out within Highway Maintenance Division and
Drainage Coastal & Parking Services Division (bridges). Highway Maintenance
Division has reorganised under Streetscene and a team of highway inspectors is
managed by each of four area champions responsible for a specific area of the
Borough each covering 5 or 6 individual Council Wards. A number of specific
inspections are carried out during which defects to traffic signs may be recorded,
including:
• Driven Inspection – every 3 months (Primary, Strategic, Secondary and Link

Routes only)
• Ward Safety Inspection (on foot) – every 1, 3 or 12 months depending on road
• General Bridge Inspection – every 2 years
• Low Headroom signs safety inspection – every year
• Street Lighting Scouting – every 2 weeks (illuminated signs only)
Alternatively defects may be reported by staff, Council Members or the general public
through the Streetscene Contact Centre.
4.10 The highway inspection results (driven and Ward inspections) are recorded in
writing on a paper format “highway inspection report” which includes items on “signs
and posts” and “illuminated signs and posts” under the “Streetscene Condition”
section of the form. Highway inspectors have been specifically requested to record
damaged or obscured traffic signs as part of their driven inspections. For ward safety
inspections guidelines have been provided to inspectors specifying details of
actionable defects and priorities in relation to highway and footway surfacing
condition. However, the guidelines do not contain specific definitions of actionable
defects or priorities for traffic signs condition and it is left to each inspector’s own
experience as to whether, for example, a worn, obscured, damaged or twisted sign
constitutes a safety issue and is considered actionable. General bridge inspections
are also recorded in writing on paper forms before being transferred onto an electronic
version of the form on the bridges database. Bridge inspection forms also contain an
item for signs (attached to the structure) under “ancillary elements”. Additionally an
annual safety inspection is carried out on the condition of all headroom signs and
associated advance signing for the 16 low bridges within the Borough because bridge
strikes are an increasing problem with possible major consequences. As part of the
street lighting scouting inspections (carried out at night every 2 weeks on each round)
defects to illuminated signs are recorded on the scouting forms. Because the scouting
inspections are carried out after dark and not all roads are driven (some can be

viewed from adjacent roads) there is a limit to the defects which can be observed.
Scouts are encouraged to record any obvious defects to the sign faces of illuminated
signs but most reported defects relate to lamp outages. It should be noted that these
will also become more difficult to determine with the more widespread use of internally
illuminated signs, since the scout will find it difficult to distinguish between an unlit
internally illuminated sign and a non-illuminated sign.
Maintenance of Traffic Signs:
4.11 Currently all traffic signs on the Wirral highway network are maintained by the
Highway Maintenance Division. Illuminated traffic signs are maintained by Street
Lighting Section (shortly to be transferred into Drainage Coastal & Parking Services
Division) including the sign and post, together with the base unit and illumination
equipment, whether attached to a lighting column or as a separate installation.
4.12 The present maintenance regime for traffic signs within the Department
appears to be primarily reactive rather than proactive and seems to be limited to
replacement of signs, and if necessary posts, which are no longer serviceable but are
considered (in the opinion of the inspector) to be necessary to the efficiency or safety
of the highway network. There are currently no cyclic programmes for the routine
cleaning of sign faces; the removal of vegetation obscuring signs; the replacement of
worn, damaged or faded sign faces or the removal of redundant signs or posts, all of
which are known to be problem issues (see photos 2-7 Appendix A). Previously,
routine cleansing of signs and repainting of posts has been carried out in the
Department but has been discontinued due to budget constraints, although an annual
programme of cleaning keep left/right bollards is carried out by Street Lighting after
the winter gritting season. Highway Maintenance Division has also recently
implemented a small pilot scheme for traffic sign cleaning in order to establish the
equipment requirements, effectiveness and cost implications involved. It should be
noted that routine cleaning might only be necessary in certain locations (i.e. under
trees, low-level items etc.) which would need to be effectively recorded. Removal of
vegetation obscuring safety-related signs in particular could be considered an
actionable defect but often requires the issue of a notice on private landowners, which
may not always be enforced. The issue of redundant signs and posts is a major
problem which is also difficult to resolve without an effective and widely accessible
asset register, since highway inspectors are unlikely to be aware when a sign is no
longer required or which sign is missing from an empty post. Some missing signs may
have been provided as part of a local safety scheme. Even if an inspector records an
empty post there is no guarantee that Traffic Management will be able to advise which
sign used to be on the post and whether it is still required, due to lack of historical
records. An example of redundant signs is “no waiting at any time” plates (many of
which are on separate posts as well as those fixed to lighting columns – see photo 2
Appendix A) which are now redundant under the traffic regulations and could be
removed. These plate locations are recorded (see 4.14 below) and some have been
removed in certain areas but the general policy is that they will be removed as and
when other works are carried out in the vicinity due to the cost implications of a
wholesale removal programme. It should be noted that there are enforcement issues
under DPE if certain traffic regulation signs are not adequately maintained. Current
electrical regulations require electrical safety testing of all highway power installations,
including illuminated traffic signs, every 6 years and Street Lighting Section maintain
records and submit annual returns for the testing carried out. However no formal

cyclical testing programme has yet been set up to ensure all relevant installations are
tested when they become due.
Traffic Signs Adoption Procedures:
4.13 No formal mechanism currently exists for the designer of traffic signs to register
new signing provision with the maintaining organisation (Highway Maintenance
Division) or for Highway Maintenance to formally adopt the signs and effectively
manage the storage and recording of such information. However, it is evident that
some of the information recording the provision of new signing is being stored as
scheme drawings and schedules in other Divisions (para. 4.5). Nevertheless,
additional IT provision would be required to facilitate any improvements in this area
(e.g. shortage of AutoCAD installations within Highway Maintenance means drawing
information cannot readily be accessed) and this will be a key theme of the
recommendations arising from this review.
Records of Traffic Signs:
4.14 The Traffic Management Division keeps records of work issued by BEWI and
records of signing details provided to Highway Improvements are retained in paper
format. The Road Safety Section have paper records of all school road markings and
associated waiting restriction plates, whilst the School Crossing Patrol Section has
details of school twin amber flasher units. None of the above information is readily
accessible in a database or GIS system. The Parking Services Section of Drainage,
Coastal & Parking Services Division has records of all waiting restriction plates and
lines in AutoCAD format. The Highway Maintenance Division does not have any
records of non-illuminated signs. However, the Lighting Section holds records of
illuminated signs & bollards with its lighting column records in the ‘Hilight Horizon’
database and in GIS format on MapInfo. The data in Horizon has been migrated from
the earlier Dos based system, which was not originally intended for this purpose.
Information about recent installations usually includes illumination method, sign Diag.,
type & electrical service details. Details of older signs have been collected on an ad
hoc basis to facilitate identification and compilation of maintenance records. MapInfo
contains information regarding sign & bollard locations together with details of the
Department's electricity supply cables. It is estimated that 75% of existing illuminated
signs & bollards currently have some details recorded in Horizon & MapInfo. MapInfo
is accessible to other Divisions on the network using Proviewer. Hilight Horizon is
available on the network to authorised users, at present this is restricted to the
Lighting Section and the Streetscene Contact Centre operators. The Highway
Improvements Division retains records of its previous schemes (which may include
signs) typically for 10 years in paper or a CAD format.
Traffic Signs Budgets:
4.15 The Traffic Management Division controls spending under Cost Centre V231
New Traffic Signs with a budget of £50,000 p.a. Work in this category includes
provision of carriageway markings (road lining) as well as signs. Various capital-
funded traffic-related initiatives (e.g. Aids to Traffic Movement, Cycle Routes, Safer
Routes to School etc.) all contribute to the introduction of additional signs on the
highway without any corresponding increase in maintenance budgets. The Traffic
Management Division is also responsible for the placement of certain new non-

illuminated direction signs funded by private organisations (e.g. Churches, tourist

attractions etc.), that are issued against unique recharge codes provided by Support
Services Division. Highway Maintenance Division has the only two Cost Centres
relating to sign maintenance works: V240 Traffic Signs Maintenance budget of
£128,700 is to meet the cost of maintaining all non-illuminated signs and road
markings; V291 Illuminated Signs Maintenance of £108,000 is to meet the cost of
maintaining all illuminated signs. The category for illuminated signs includes for sign
plates, bollards, refuge beacons, belisha beacons and twin amber flashers. There is
no specific allocation for cleaning, electrical testing, removal of graffiti from signs and
replacement of accident damaged signs. It should also be noted that expenditure
associated with the provision of Christmas Decorations is met from this Cost Centre
(the theoretical allocation is approximately £9,000). Occasionally, maintenance of low
headroom warning signs on bridges may be charged to Highway Maintenance Cost
Centre V215 for bridge maintenance (£30,000).
Summary of Current Departmental Procedures:
• New signs designed to rigid regulations usually by Traffic Management Division

sometimes on behalf of other Divisions / Departments or private organisations;
• Replacement signs ordered by Highway Maintenance Division;
• Internally illuminated signs now being specified;
• Departmental Standard Details and specifications for construction;
• No formal consultation over siting and maintenance implications;
• Signs provided and erected by Operational Services Division or private
engineering contractors;
• Standard contracts with Operational Services (Maintenance Contract lacks clear
specification);
• Ad hoc supervision of works by officer responsible for procurement (some
workmanship issues and supervision problems, often due to poor communication);
• Variety of inspection and reporting regimes;
• Often only ‘actionable’ defects are recorded;
• All maintenance by Highway Maintenance Division (illuminated signs by Street
Lighting Section);
• Most maintenance is reactive not proactive (no cyclic maintenance programmes);
• DPE enforcement problems if associated signs not maintained;
• No rolling programmes for removal of redundant signs and posts;
• No formal adoption or hand-over procedure;
• No central database recording sign locations and details (‘Hilight’ for illuminated
signs only – no historical records of non-illuminated signs);
• Some random records of specific sign provision (orders, drawings, schedules, CAD
drawings etc.);
• Variety of budgets and budget holders (limited sign maintenance budget provision).

5.0 Proposed Improvement Strategy

5.1 Recognising the issues and problems in relation to traffic signs on the highway
and identifying potential improvements to procedures is not a difficult process. The
real challenge is to deliver improvements using the existing resources available, to
monitor and review progress and to demonstrate a continuous improvement.
Signs Asset Register:
5.2 Ultimately the creation of an electronic database or asset register containing

comprehensive information on all permanent traffic signs is considered to be
fundamental in improving efficiency and effectiveness across all areas of procedure.
Unless appropriate and accessible records are held of sign location, type, age and
condition, effective proactive maintenance regimes cannot be introduced and
monitored. Information on lighting column locations and illuminated signs is already
being recorded in Hilight, which is also set up to record information on non-illuminated
signs if necessary. However, this system is currently only available to Street Lighting
Section staff. There are long-term proposals to introduce a global system containing
information on a wide range of the Department’s assets, which are still under review.
In the meantime, consideration should be given to either extending the availability of
current systems or to the introduction of an independent commercial system for traffic
signs which should be widely accessible and capable of possible future integration into
any Departmental or corporate asset management database. The system should
include map-based location referencing, together with an inventory of type and
condition data, links to digital photographs and the ability to generate routine and
cyclic maintenance programmes. It is recommended that any system would be
administered and maintained by a single point of contact, possibly within Streetscene,
but would be available to other users on a read-only basis as necessary.
5.3 Obviously, the creation o f a register is a phased process and the first stage will
be to survey and record existing signs on the highway. Such a survey would be a
massive undertaking considering the likely numbers of unrecorded signs of all types
and sizes throughout the Borough, although some of the information on illuminated
signs and bollards is already held (see 4.14). The data collection should be carried
out by experienced specialists who could record a variety of information, including:
unique reference number; GIS location; sign type and size (diagram, illumination,
reflectivity); post or mounting details; assessment of age and condition, and possibly
an assessment of redundancy (whether sign is still needed at all, and for illuminated
signs whether illumination is still required). Electronic data-logging devices for direct
downloading could possibly be used to collect this information. A number of similar
exercises have been carried out in the Department leading to some experience of the
likely cost of such a survey. Assuming an estimated total of, say 12,000 signs to be
surveyed the estimated total cost of data collection could be in the region of £40k-
£50k. A policy decision needs to be made as to whether the non-illuminated signs
need to be labelled for identification purposes (as lighting columns and illuminated
signs currently are). There are significant further cost implications in carrying out the
labelling and consideration could be given as to whether this could be carried out
during the survey itself as an additional task. Depending on the data input
requirements, a significant amount of staff time could be necessary to download the
information and to help transfer existing information from alternative formats.
Nevertheless, pending consideration and implementation of a suitable IT system it is

strongly recommended that funding be identified and a contract be placed for the
collection of the necessary data.
Design and Construction:
5.4 A procedure could be introduced for the procurement or requisitioning of traffic

signs through a single responsible officer or team, possibly employed within Highway
Maintenance Division (Streetscene), with overall responsibility for the management of
traffic signs and the control of maintenance programmes and budgets. In practice the
design of traffic signs would still be carried out by specialist engineers in Traffic
Management, but they would need to follow a procedure for requisitioning a sign or
group of signs so that someone else has control of the information about which signs
are being erected on the highway and why. The procedure could include provision for
initial formal recorded consultation over all proposed sign installations including:
numbers of signs; siting/mounting arrangements; illumination, and any future
maintenance implications. The procedure could include a formal process to confirm
that signs have been installed strictly as agreed and specified, with site inspections
being made and recorded both during and after construction to verify compliance. A
process should be established with Operational Services so that a pre-start notice is
given in advance of all BEWI work and also on completion. There could then be a
facility to allow all completed signs to be recorded with a unique reference on the
proposed asset register and for the electronic storage of plans and schedules linking
to the asset register. Improved liaison procedures are required in relation to
illuminated signs where connections are required direct to the Manweb Scottish Power
supply. Wherever practicable such connections should be avoided for new
installations and connections should be made to the existing street lighting network,
over which the Department has control. For existing Manweb Scottish Power
connections any planned replacements should be co-ordinated to suit Manweb
Scottish Power contractor availability in accordance with service level agreements.
However, this is a national problem and Ofgem are looking into the issue of utility
companies having full control of connections. Consideration should be given as to
whether the Street Lighting Section should be responsible for all aspects of illuminated
signs. For routine maintenance and replacement of sign faces on illuminated posts or
lighting columns, the signs themselves could be treated in the same way as non-
illuminated signs with Street Lighting only becoming involved for issues in relation to
maintenance and testing of the electrical equipment. If continued use is to be made of
the modern internally illuminated type signs an exercise should be carried out to
compare their performance and the estimated cost of their provision and maintenance
against the external lamp system. Further consideration could also be given to the
viability and potential cost savings of specifying alternative materials for non-
illuminated traffic signs and their supports (e.g. painted or galvanised steel posts).
Inspection:
5.5 Current inspection regimes generally appear to be sufficiently frequent and

comprehensive to enable any sign defects to be recorded. However, it is important
that all defects are recorded at inspections and not just those that are immediately
actionable for safety reasons, in order that future cyclic routine maintenance
programmes can be generated. In particular, signs or posts that may be redundant
should be clearly recorded and where practicable an assessment of need should be
made so that any redundant signs can be programmed for removal. Those items or

defects which do constitute an immediate safety risk should be clearly defined in the
inspection guidelines (e.g. say, 25% or more of the surface area of a safety-related
traffic warning sign obscured/faded etc.).
Maintenance:
5.6 If a serious effort is to be made to tidy-up and generally improve the

appearance of the Streetscene environment in the short-term then consideration
should be given to the provision of adequate additional resources for the
implementation of regular routine maintenance of traffic signs including: the removal of
redundant signs and posts; re-fixing twisted signs; re-siting obscured signs; cyclic
cleansing, painting and electrical testing programmes, and the phased replacement of
old or faded signs. Alternatively, if the work is to be managed within existing budgets
then it is recommended that all the available revenue maintenance funding be
combined and the routine maintenance priorities be identified and programmed,
subject to policy (e.g. 3 year programme for review and removal of redundant signs; 5
year rolling programme for the replacement of old or faded signs and repainting of
posts; annual cleansing of signs in locations at risk of soiling or graffiti coverage,
electrical testing programmes etc.). Sources of possible additional funding and any
potential flexibility within existing funding arrangements need to be investigated to help
maximise available budgets for traffic signs provision and maintenance. For example,
whilst new signs (unless part of a capital project) are currently funded from a £50,000
revenue budget for signs and road markings (see para. 4.15), consideration should be
given as to whether annual capital funding could be secured for signs provision
through the LTP process. Similarly, consideration could be given as to whether some
kind of levy could be applied to capital projects for the future maintenance of any new
signs provided or for the maintenance and improvement of existing traffic signs in
close proximity to the project site area. Additionally, the maintenance of waiting
restriction regulation signing through potential DPE revenue could be explored.
Summary of Recommendations:
• Commission survey of all traffic signs to collect relevant data for asset register;
• Consider labelling of all signs with unique ID reference number;
• Determine appropriate IT system for signs asset register;
• Single responsible officer or team for sign procurement;
• Single maintenance budget, consider flexibility within capital budgets;
• Procedure for design consultation, construction compliance and registration;
• Review standard details and policy for savings (e.g. unpainted galvanised posts);
• Consider alternative sign materials and potential for savings;
• Review standard contract specifications;
• Improved notice procedures with Operational Services for works start and finish;
• Improved liaison procedures/service agreements with Manweb Scottish Power;
• Street Lighting responsibility for electrical aspects only;
• Assessment of internally illuminated signs performance and cost-effectiveness;
• Review maintenance responsibility and funding for DPE traffic regulation signs;
• Revised inspection guidelines;
• Identification and removal of redundant signs and posts;
• Introduction of cyclic maintenance programmes;
• Review progress.

Appendix A – Photographs
Photo 1
Norman Street, Bidston – example of a short length of cycleway with
signing presumably designed strictly in accordance with the traffic regs – 8
new traffic signs on separate new posts have been provided for a length of
cycleway of approximately 10m. Capital funding without any additional
revenue provision for future maintenance?
Photo 2
Civic Way, Bebington (outside Town Hall)
– example of redundant “no waiting at
any time” plate

Photos 3 & 4
Heath Road, Bebington – examples
of safety-related warning signs
(illuminated and non-illuminated)
obscured by vegetation (private and
highway trees). These signs would
not be visible at all in the summer
months

Photo 5
Docks Link South, Wallasey – sign
clutter. Replacement illuminated sign
awaiting Manweb Scottish Power
connection for several months before
old sign can be removed. New sign
already twisted on post. Temporary
traffic sign adjacent. No use made of
available lighting column (sign size
restrictions?)
Photo 6
Dock Road, Wallasey – empty and
damaged posts for non-illuminated
sign.

Photo 7
Brimstage Road,
Heswall Hills – local
direction sign
obscured by moss
under trees.

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Highway & Engineering Services Streetscene - Traffic Signs Working Group Report and Action Plan

Report of the Traffic Signs

Highway & Engineering

Simon J Fox Page 0 12/07/04

4. Current Departmental Procedures 3

5. Proposed Improvement Strategy 9

Appendix B – Action Plan 17

Simon J Fox Page 1 12/07/04

2.1 Following discussions at weekly Streetscene Review meetings it was agreed

Traffic Signs Working Group

Simon J Fox Page 2 12/07/04

3.0 Terms of Reference

4.0 Current Departmental Procedures

Provision of New Signs:

• Warning signs (e.g. triangular “bend ahead” etc.)

Simon J Fox Page 3 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 4 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 5 12/07/04

Inspection of Traffic Signs:

4.9 Routine condition inspections of the highway network and associated

• Driven Inspection – every 3 months (Primary, Strategic, Secondary and Link

Simon J Fox Page 6 12/07/04

Maintenance of Traffic Signs:

Simon J Fox Page 7 12/07/04

Traffic Signs Adoption Procedures:

Records of Traffic Signs:

Traffic Signs Budgets:

Simon J Fox Page 8 12/07/04

illuminated direction signs funded by private organisations (e.g. Churches, tourist

Summary of Current Departmental Procedures:

• New signs designed to rigid regulations usually by Traffic Management Division

Simon J Fox Page 9 12/07/04

5.0 Proposed Improvement Strategy

Signs Asset Register:

5.2 Ultimately the creation of an electronic database or asset register containing

Simon J Fox Page 10 12/07/04

Design and Construction:

5.4 A procedure could be introduced for the procurement or requisitioning of traffic

5.5 Current inspection regimes generally appear to be sufficiently frequent and

Simon J Fox Page 11 12/07/04

5.6 If a serious effort is to be made to tidy-up and generally improve the

Simon J Fox Page 12 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 13 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 14 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 15 12/07/04

Simon J Fox Page 16 12/07/04

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