Too Many Traffic Signs.

Am I the only one that is annoyed at the large amount of traffic signs these days? We often don't notice them in our own town or city, but when you go somewhere new or unfamiliar there are hundreds of them. It really is hard to see them all let alone read them.

So my group, (there's only me at the moment), have some plans. 

1. Firstly, yellow lines, they're everywhere! Not needed IMO.

On every approach, road or cycleway leading into a large urban area you place 1 sign up with brief parking restrictions that apply when you pass the sign. It would say 'No vehicles are allowed to stop for more than 10 minutes for any reason on any road except in an emergency. Any unattended vehicle will be liable to be clamped and impounded after 10 minutes. A fine of £1,000 plus £500 every day it is unclaimed.' Or similar. So that's all yellow lines gone. The town is already looking better.

2. Now for speed limits. Remember those signs about parking? We add to it a simple line, the maximum speed limit throughout this area is 30mph. (20 if you're feeling up to it.) Therefore all speed limit signs have gone. Its starting to get easy now.

Before anyone says it's illegal, yes, it will need a change in the law, this can be done locally without worrying parliament, under existing  legislation. 

3. Traffic lights next. Hundreds of the pesky things. Are they essential? Studies have shown if removed, motorists will slow down naturally and Traffic will flow better. Don't forget we are talking about a built up area with a 30 or 20 mph speed limit. If control is needed at some junctions, the road layout and design should be altered and used to guide traffic in fixed directions.

Wow! This town is really looking so much better.

4. Next - give-way signs and markings. Not needed, if you come to a junction you slow down and wait until its clear. Easy. If needed a roundabout would make it easier.

5. Information signs. Again not needed. Locals know anyway, and with Sat Navs and map apps etc together with some forward planning means they are not needed.

6. Other warning signs, eg bridge, sharp bend, level crossing etc. Get rid. We'll just have to do what we used to do, use our eyes and common sense.

7. Yellow boxes. I think you've got the idea now, think of all that paint we're going to save.

I'm sure you can think of more signs we dont need. The list goes on. We actually need very few signs. Imagine your town or city centre without them.

Of course this is just a start. After people get the idea and all the urban areas are decluttered, then Motorways would be next.

This may all seem unrealistic and perhaps it is a bit tongue in cheek. However the more you think about it, the more you realise it can be done.

So join my group and let me know.