Road signs removal (From Gazette Series)

Road signs removal

ROADSIGNS and traffic calming measures are being removed in Gloucestershire in an attempt to reduce speeding.

The county council, in conjunction with the police, has carried out a trial scheme and is now considering rolling out the project - called Designing Out - to other parts of the county.

If the move gets the green light, it could mean Gloucestershire is rid of hundreds of signposts, road markings and traffic calming measures.

Experts believe pavements, road markings, signs and traffic lights create an illusion of safety and an expectation of speed.

They think the removal of signs makes motorists think for themselves and take more care on the road.

The idea is being researched by Derek Harrison, Gloucestershire Constabulary's architectural liaison officer, who believes it is possible to "design out speed" in the same way planning and urban design can help reduce opportunities for crime.

Mr Harrison said: "Up to now, so-called road improvements have often involved smoothing corners and widening roads, which has encouraged more speed, usually with less care.

"There should be a review of the environment created by traditional road design. "There are ways of influencing the way people drive and behave behind the wheel by changing that environment."

The proposals to remove traffic calming measures have emerged as part of the Great Gloucestershire Debate, which focuses on issues around road safety and speeding.

Philip Booth, who co-wrote a report about street design earlier this year, is eager to get the new initiative started.

He said: "Supermarket car parks are often safer places than roads because drivers are much more aware of the people around them.

"Removing signs and creating visibility barriers - putting up trees and making junctions more difficult to get around - seems to go against all common sense, but if drivers are made aware that they are coming into a different area, away from the main road, it changes the way they approach it."

Trials of similar schemes have already taken place in Holland and Germany, and have proved it helps reduce accident rates, and in May the council removed some road signs along the main route through Bibury. It also made some warning signs less intrusive, forcing drivers to rely on the road to guide their speed.

The trial scheme is now being evaluated before other roads are considered fir the project.

For more information visit www.greatgloucestershiredebate.org.uk