SIGNS OF CHANGING STANDARDS

This article describes the new European (CEN) standard for road signs, and its likely effect on British sign standards. The UK Department of Transport (DTp) has considered how far its rules still apply, and how the CEN standards should be used in the UK. Sign background colours are drawn from the CEN standard's full range. UK regulations will apply to size and style of lettering and to size and shape of a sign face. The DTp will define where signs require illumination, but also apply the CEN standard for illumination levels, photometric requirements, construction, materials, and manufacture. UK standards tend to be specifications, while CEN standards define required performance. The 9 parts of British Standard BS873 will be replaced by a 3-part CEDN standard covering: (1) vertical signs, i.e. warning, regulatory and direction signs; (2) horizontal signs, i.e. markings; and (3) traffic delineators, e.g cones and bollards. It defines the performance requirements of sign faces and their supports, fixings, structures, external lighting, and test methods. An annex includes a recommended set of sign sizes. Signs should be made from mutually compatible materials in environment-friendly combinations. The standard refers to other European publications including Eurocodes. The author is concerned that it may allow too many combinations of performance of sign structures.