Second stage for road signs

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 3

Second stage for road signs

The second stage of the introduction of international road signs will begin this month. New permanent warning signs, diamond-shaped and coloured yellow with black symbols, will gradually replace existing permanent warning signs. They are an easily recognisable system which is less confusing for both tourists and New Zealand drivers, according to the Associate Minister of Works, Mr Neilson. The symbols were easier to understand than the existing verbal message signs, because symbols provided a way of overcoming language barriers, he said.

An important feature of the new signs was their bright reflectorised colour, enabling them to be seen at a great distance and improving visibility at night, he said. The first new signs to

be introduced were those indicating temporary road hazards, such as slips and roadworks. These signs were introduced in August and are orange diamonds with black symbols. The new permanent warning signs will indicate permanent dangers such as railway crossings, curves in the road and pedestrian crossings. As this sign group is the largest it will have an extended changeover of five years, enabling sign replacement as it becomes necessary under normal maintenance.

New “give way” signs will be phased in at the beginning of March, 1988. All other regulatory signs will be introduced in March, 1989, including those for turning, stopping and “no entry."

The introduction of parking signs in March, 1990, will complete the changeover.