The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have recently published a new guide to traffic signs
The Traffic Signs Review
Twice in 2011 new signs will have been prescribed by regulations: in May to bring in temporary pedestrian traffic signals and very shortly the more major amendment to TSRGD, first drafted for consultation at the end of 2009. But for England there were also had two sets of mass authorisations.
In February 2011 every traffic authority received permission to use footway parking ban signs, and in October a more comprehensive set of signs was again authorised for use anywhere in England. These include signs for many combinations of stopping, waiting and loading restrictions applying at different times of day to the same length of road, pay by phone parking, “authorised vehicles” in bus lanes, rising bollards and safety measures for schools. It also removes the need for yellow lines and loading marks within a pedestrian zone, relaxes the traffic calming requirements for 20 mph zones, and provides for “no entry except cycles” and pedestrian countdown timers at signals.
An unexpected measure was the removal of the need to place a pair of signs at the start of every CPZ, lorry ban or other restriction. Even “no entry” can now be indicated with a single sign, regardless of road width. Only speed limits retain the requirement for a sign on each side of the carriageway in most situations.
The Traffic Signs Review is the most signification review of traffic signs in some 40 years and aims to ensure the traffic sign system continues to be fit for purpose.
The department for transport has published a policy document, “Signing the way”, following the traffic signs policy review.The document can be viewed ont he DfT's website DfT's website.
Following this, Transport Minister Norman Baker has published a letter regarding the review. Please see the links below.
Norman Baker's letter to stakeholders regarding the traffic signs review
The following documents are courtesy of Calderdale Council, but equivalent authorisations apply to every traffic authority in England:
Traffic Signs - Area-wide Authorisation and Special Direction Guidance Note - Nov 2011.pdf
Traffic Signs - Case 2669 Traffic Signs Policy Review Authorisation - Nov 2011.pdf
Traffic Signs - Case 2826 Traffic Signs Policy Review Special Direction - Nov 2011.pdf
View the article regarding this in full.