Road signage, markings, and other road safety installations under the Public Works Department (PWD) in the State are to be made uniform to ensure quality and to provide correct information to road users.
The decision comes in the wake of a finding that many traffic signboards installed along road stretches do not follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Indian Road Congress (IRC).
The road safety furniture in the State has not been serving the purpose of providing information to road users. Wrong signs at wrong locations invite accidents instead of preventing them. Recently revised speed limits are yet to be displayed on roads.
By enforcing uniform standards, the PWD will be able to maintain quality right from the preparation of estimate to the completion of the work. The PWD has issued a directive to all divisions to strictly comply with the guidelines for installation and maintenance of road safety furniture during various stages of the job, official sources told The Hindu .
Mandatory signboards will have to be circular in shape and cautionary signs, triangular. Triangular or circular signs drawn on rectangular boards will not be entertained. Supporting poles of signboards should be 50 mm GI pipe or rectangular hollow section.
Road markings and the size, font and spacing for the text in the signboards and the angle for installation will have to be as per the Ministry and IRC specifications. The signboards should not have sharp corners.
Signboards and delineator posts will have to be installed at the distances specified. Hindrance should not be caused to vehicular and pedestrian movements. However, minor modifications may be undertaken to improve visibility and utility.
The signposts should be painted in 250 mm wide bands, alternately black and white. The lowest band should be in black. A reference number along with the month and year of installation is mandatory on the back of a signpost in contrasting colour.
Right colourThe right colour will have to be chosen for reflective studs and hazard markers. In four-lane dual carriageway, red will be for left edge, white for lane marker, and amber for median edge.
In two-lane single carriageway, red will be for left edge, amber for centre line and white for right edge.
All PWD sections have been asked to maintain a register of signboards and road furniture, including location, name of the contractor, date of installation, type and warranty period, in their jurisdiction.
Officers have been warned that installation of substandard boards and markings will invite punitive action. They have also been asked to report vandalism and to take penal action against those who cause damage to road safety installations.
