Vehicle-Activate Signs: Guidance on Prioritisation, Implementation and Maintenance

Gloucestershire County Council has devised comprehensive guidance to assist officers in selecting suitable sites for Vehicle Activated Signs (VASs) across the county. This guidance aims to ensure a consistent and effective approach to VAS provision, aligning with national standards outlined in the Department for Transport (DfT) Traffic Advisory Leaflet 1/03 (March 2003), with updates in 2016 to accommodate mobile VASs

VASs have emerged as a solution to address inappropriate speeds in areas where traditional signage or enforcement methods have proven ineffective. While these signs are effective in curbing speeding, they should complement existing measures rather than serve as standalone solutions. Gloucestershire County Council aims to prevent the overuse of VASs to maintain their efficacy in managing speed.

Considerations for VAS Implementation

The decision to install VASs should be guided by specific criteria:

1. Collision Problem: VASs should be considered where there is a documented collision issue associated with inappropriate speeds.

2. Traffic Volume: Higher traffic volumes may increase the risk, warranting VAS installation.

3. Environmental Concerns: Sites near schools, community facilities, or areas with vulnerable users should be prioritized.

4. Road Layout and Seasonal Issues: Factors like bends, crossroads, or seasonal hazards should also be taken into account.

Types of VAS

VASs typically fall into three categories:

1. Speed Enforcing Signs: These flash an appropriate speed roundel and may include accompanying warnings.

2. Hazard Warning Signs: Highlighting risks such as sharp bends or junctions.

3. Speed Indicating Devices (SIDS): Displaying actual vehicle speeds, primarily for informational purposes.

Site Assessment and Maintenance

Before installation, sites must undergo rigorous assessment, considering factors like collision history, speed data, traffic volume, and environmental concerns. Ongoing maintenance is crucial to ensure continued effectiveness. Permanent VASs are installed as part of road safety improvement schemes, while mobile VASs may be funded by local communities.

Conclusion

The implementation of VASs requires careful consideration of various factors to maximize their impact on road safety. By adhering to established criteria and engaging local communities, Gloucestershire County Council aims to create safer road environments while efficiently managing resources.

This blog post outlines the comprehensive guidance provided by Gloucestershire County Council for the prioritization, implementation, and maintenance of Vehicle Activated Signs (VASs) across the county. The content is structured to provide a clear understanding of the considerations involved in deploying VASs effectively.