Guest Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 In my local bit of north Yorkshire, the last few months have seen the installation of loads of slippery road signs. They are in villages, on country roads and, as far as I can tell, none of them that I have seen are in places where the circumstances have changed> Has there been a change in the guidelines? Are any other areas affected. I thought we were supposed to be reducing the number of signs around, but these are all on nice shiny new poles. Local shopkeepers complained about two (of 6) in the village where I live. First they were told that they were temporary (Poles cemented into the pavement?). They continued to complain that they blocked shop signs so the council sent the men around. They are now 15 feet up in the air!! The poles need red lights on top for low flying aircraft. Does anyone know what is going on Quote
Vinny's Westie Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 Isn't it because the new tarmac has less grip than the old, which is why you now see so much extra grip put on at junctions. All about cost of tarmac, cheaper, doesn't last as long and slippery, so much of an improvement Quote
Mike H Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 It's because they won't be gritting them this year ! Mike Quote
Asterix Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 but these are all on nice shiny new poles. Local shopkeepers complained about two (of 6) in the village where I live. First they were told that they were temporary (Poles cemented into the pavement?). They continued to complain that they blocked shop signs so the council sent the men around. They are now 15 feet up in the air!! The poles need red lights on top for low flying aircraft. Does anyone know what is going on I agree, it's bizarre - send 'em back to Eastern Europe is what I say! Quote
a4gom Posted November 9, 2010 Posted November 9, 2010 new "tarmac" doesn't have as much grip initially as the aggregate at the surface is covered with a coat of bitumen, the highways agency and some councils erect slippy signs temporarily until this wears off. i don't think this is what jdc is talking about though because i too have seen the signs and there is no new tarmac. my guess is that these areas have been identified by this summers scrimm tests as been at or below investigation level and their policy will say they need to display the signs until the skid resistance has been improved, they won't have the money to do it and if there are no signs and there is an accident they could and up in court. thats just my guess though. Quote
cast iron Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 new "tarmac" doesn't have as much grip initially as the aggregate at the surface is covered with a coat of bitumen, the highways agency and some councils erect slippy signs temporarily until this wears off. i don't think this is what jdc is talking about though because i too have seen the signs and there is no new tarmac. my guess is that these areas have been identified by this summers scrimm tests as been at or below investigation level and their policy will say they need to display the signs until the skid resistance has been improved, they won't have the money to do it and if there are no signs and there is an accident they could and up in court. thats just my guess though. thats a double edged sword Admitting you know its slippy, by the act of errecting a sign, can make you responsible for the outcome. Quote
Guest Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 QUOTE Admitting you know its slippy, by the act of errecting a sign, can make you responsible for the outcome I agree - you get to the point where someone sues the council because they did not put up a sign. Incidentally - there are 12 of the beggars on the road between Masham and Bedale I know I am a sad person to count them, but it is really winding me up. Quote
a4gom Posted November 10, 2010 Posted November 10, 2010 thats a double edged sword Admitting you know its slippy, by the act of erecting a sign, can make you responsible for the outcome. Ah but they are not admitting they know it's slippy they are erecting the sign because the length of road has fallen to or below the investigatory level, this level is set by each individual authority for all their roads based on a national level adjusted to suit local conditions and local policy. The sign will remain until such time as they decide they are happy the road is safe, further investigation may dictate no action is required it doesn't necessarily mean it needs resurfacing or some additional surface treatment. You can't be held responsible for warning road users that the road may be slippy. Road users are required to adapt their driving to the appropriate type and condition of road they are driving on taking road, traffic and weather conditions into account. Quote
Guest Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 Where many of these are located does not make any sense at all. Nothing has changed in the road conditions, so it must be down to the local authorities changing their parameters and at a time when we are suppose to be financially constrained. Makes no sense to me at all. Quote
bhouse Posted November 11, 2010 Posted November 11, 2010 'Slippery Road' signs are often erected where there is a history of accidents happening for no apparent reason - think of them as a warning to take extra care. Quote
housebeautician Posted November 12, 2010 Posted November 12, 2010 Road users are required to adapt their driving to the appropriate type and condition of road they are driving on taking road, traffic and weather conditions into account. We'd best all buy 4 wheel drives then with studded tyres. They will be the only thing that will cope with the pot holed and slippery roads that we are expected to drive on Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.