Traffic signs left behind
12-May-2008
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Traffic signs left behind

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Traffic signs for road works that just casually get left behind really get up my nose. What’s the point in leaving them up there once the work on the road has been completed?  Why can they not remove them, especially the speed restriction signs?  It’s more than just misleading, it can be potentially dangerous!

By not removing these signs they bring the whole road repair system into disrepute.  With all this surplus “street furniture” lying around, I am willing to bet that they can and often do contribute to accidents on the road, especially with these recent high winds.

Think back for a moment, have you ever been driving along the road and had to move out to the middle of the road to dodge a sign which has fallen over onto the carriage way?  Or how about when driving along a motorway - you come to a whole load of speed restriction signs, but fail to see the actual road works?

Road works traffic sign

If they cannot be bothered remove the road signs straight away, what's wrong with just covering the restriction signs up, or even laying them flat on the ground so the don’t get blown around?  Traffic cones for example are usually moved off the road, so why on earth can’t they just remove all the road signs at the same time?

On the Continent the signs disappear almost immediately once road repairs have been completed.  Either that or they are at the very least covered up even at weekends when the work is suspended and then uncovered again on the Monday morning.

I think it is all down to laziness, crass ignorance and thoughtlessness to the other road users.  My job’s done mate, I’m off home!

By: Bike Rider


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I used to work at a water company. Streetworks gangs *were* constantly reminded to take all signs away on completion.

The reasons given were that signs forgotten: 1) create a hazard, and 2) increase the chances of people ignoring roadworks ahead signs. That sign has to be placed a certain distance away. If a corner intervenes then it has to be put even further away. After a long day's work, especially when things have not gone smoothly, and even more so when (as so often) there is a pressure to move on to the next site, you can see how an out-of-sight sign could be left behind by mistake.

I couldn't say it was always done and mistakes do happen but I believe it was taken seriously, at least at the water company I was at.
*Phil  30-May-2007 23:47

 
Actually, with the windy weather recently I've seen a few signs blown onto the motorway carriage way. They are dangerous if they are left around without those sand bags to secure them. As for misleading sings - yes.. can't agree more
*Rockorfella  30-Jan-2007 01:59

 
To add to the original post, last Thursday (26/01/07) I was driving up the A1M and after junction 58 there were cones at the side of the road on the hard shoulder with the lights switched on. There were NO signs stating that roadworks were immenent or any indication that work had finished. Nor were there any speed restriction signs. I turned of the A1M at Junction 60 and the cones still went further on.

About 90 minutes later I re-traced my route going home and the cones now all had the lights off. There was still no signs of work/workmen, I can't help thinking what a total waste of resources.
*Bike Rider  27-Jan-2007 22:28

 
My husband says its due to the council having to use there budget up by the end of the finacial year. This involves them doing as much work as possible towards the end of the finacial year inorder to meet there budget, otherwise their budget amounts for the coming year will be dramatically reduced. This is also why you see a lot of road works in Febuary and March taking place but never fully manned, too many jobs, too little time and too much money to spend?
*rc  20-Jan-2007 23:19

 
I can agree with what you say.

Also, when they turn up to do a job and not have the spare parts, tools or materials to finish the job.So the road works are there longer than needed.

Lack of comunication is one culprit, and laziness the second.
*Ian  18-Jan-2007 04:59


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