No U-turn likely on smiley road signs ban
Road signs that use a flashing smiley or grumpy face to indicate a driver’s speed appearance will remain banned in North Yorkshire, despite calls from communities to reinstate them.
North Yorkshire Council is expected to reject calls to allow the use of speed indicating devices (SIDs) in favor of continuing the use of signs showing the speed limit and the “slow down” message.
Many communities have asked the council to reconsider its stance, arguing they are cheaper and more attractive than existing approved signs.
Although SIDs are used elsewhere in the country, a report by the authority said officers remain concerned about their legality and effectiveness.
The Ministry of Transport stated that such devices are not officially approved traffic signs and the use of smiley or sad faces is not approved.
A report to be presented to the council’s executive member for highways on Wednesday recommends the council maintain its current policy of only allowing speed limit reminder (SLR) signs.
Councilor Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways, said he had been lobbied by several district councils on the issue. Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“We will listen to the views of neighborhood council representatives who contact us and will take these views into account before making a decision.”
The report said there was “significant” correspondence from district councils and road safety groups calling for changes to the policy, largely because SIDs can cost around half the price of a solar-powered SLR sign.
The council has also faced pressure over some communities installing SID signs on private land and even on highways without permission, despite it being ill-advised.
But while officials say 174 communities have already purchased SLR signs approved under existing rules and there is “no evidence” that SIDs reduce speeds more effectively, there is still no change in advice.
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