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Traffic signs, road markings and road studs

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Signs

The Highway Code gives examples of the most common road signs. They fall into certain groups:

  • signs giving orders – round with a red outer circle
  • warning signs – usually triangular
  • direction signs – mostly rectangular showing destinations. Some have junction or road plans
  • information signs – mostly rectangular

All signs on the road must be authorised by the council. Special signs are allowed with prior approval from the Department of Transport, or if they are experimental and under trial.

Tourism signing

Tourism signing gives an important opportunity for both tourism businesses and the local economy. Our policy on tourism signing is used positively and constructively.

Download the Application pack for Tourism Signs [PDF, 342Kb]

There is an advertising element to tourism signing as it helps generate more visits, but the main purpose is to safely guide people along the most appropriate routes. They can also show tourist facilities that people may not expect to find in that location.

Lines

Road markings are as important as signs and give a lot of information to road users.

Yellow lines are used along with a legal order to restrict parking in certain areas. This can be to improve traffic flow and prevent obstructions on the road.

There are only two types used:

  • double lines mean no waiting at any time but there are exceptions to this. Sign plates fixed to posts or street lights will tell you what the actual restrictions are
  • single lines usually show a shorter period of restriction, such as 8am to 6pm. Sign plates will show the actual times. Loading restrictions are shown by yellow marking on the kerb and on the sign plates

The Highway Code gives examples of the lines in normal use.

White lines on the road help road users by giving different types of information on lane use and directions.

Markings that go along the length of the road inform and warn drivers of hazards ahead that will need them to take action. For example a solid white line indicates that a driver must not cross or lane line indicates where a driver is to turn right.

 

Lines that go across the road give instructions such as where to stop or give way.

All lines on the highway must be authorised by the council. Special lines can be used with approval from the Department for Transport or if they are experimental and under trial.

About our signs, road markings and road studs

Traffic signs, road markings and road studs are an important road safety feature on the roads. They help to move people and goods efficiently through the area. Our traffic signs, road markings and road studs policy benefit residents and visitors to North Lincolnshire by:

  • Helping provide safer roads and better routes;
  • Providing a guide to help the public understand where different types of signs are used and if a sign or road markings are necessary for their community;
  • Giving a consistent approach to providing clear and effective signs and road markings on the road;
  • Setting minimum standards of materials and meeting national regulations so that schemes are well designed;
  • Setting response times for dealing with defects to signs, markings and studs so that the highway is well maintained;
  • Helping limit illegal and unauthorised signs on the highway.

Our Traffic Team provides new traffic signs and markings on the highway, and the Highway Maintenance team is responsible for inspecting and renewing existing signs, road markings and studs.

Download our Traffic Signs, Marking and Road Studs Policy [PDF, 6Mb]

Byelaws

Byelaws for good rule and government [PDF, 2Mb] details the byelaws that came into effect in North Lincolnshire in June 2000, in relation to highways, carriageways and footways.