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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Conventional Signs and Markings

Conventional signs and markings are visual means of making information, guidance, and instructions available to vulnerable road users on road ways. The primary objective is to promote the effective and safe use of the transport system. As such, their design must be effective and well-maintained.1 In addition to providing information, signs and markings also have a role in traffic management. In many cases, signs and markings are used in conjunction with each other.2 The conventional signs are installed in three forms: (i) signs mounted on poles or overhead structures; (ii) markings painted on the road surface; and (iii) signals given by lights or by people. The purpose of conventional signs and markings is to regulate the safe flow of traffic, warn motorists of the conditions on the road ahead, provide information, and provide guidance about routes and destinations.3

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Local governments
  • Policymakers
  • State governments
  • Transit agencies
  • Vulnerable road users
Conventional signs and markings are visual means of making information, guidance, and instructions available to vulnerable road users on road ways. The primary objective is to promote the effective and safe use of the transport system. As such, their design must be effective and well-maintained.1 In addition to providing information, signs and markings also have a role in traffic management. In many cases, signs and markings are used in conjunction with each other.2 The conventional signs are installed in three forms: (i) signs mounted on poles or overhead structures; (ii) markings painted on the road surface; and (iii) signals given by lights or by people. The purpose of conventional signs and markings is to regulate the safe flow of traffic, warn motorists of the conditions on the road ahead, provide information, and provide guidance about routes and destinations.3

How it Helps

On crowded roadways, conventional signs and markings will aid in traffic control. These markings enable drivers to precisely observe traffic laws.4 Road markings enhance the safety of drivers and pedestrians. For example, providing yellow reflective borders around traffic signal lights can improve visibility in certain weather conditions.5 In addition to being essential for promoting road safety, signs and markings also provide drivers with the knowledge they need to make wise travel choices.6

Implementing

Installation:

The conventional signs and markings should be positioned where they would convey the necessary information for other road users to follow. The design must be legible and comprehendible by using reflecting paints for the road markings rather than conventional paintings, which are seldom visible at night. The use of high-quality thermoplastic paints that have been combined with glass beads should be recommended since it increases visibility.7

Locations:

Cities with significant arterial slow zones and crash-prone roadways should install signs in these locations to emphasize how crucial it is to obey the speed restriction. Cities with slow zones should mark the speed restriction at the entrances to the designated zone. A crucial entry to a slow zone or a location where the speed restriction changes may also be marked with on-street markings.8

Challenges:

Inadequate knowledge of signs and markings and their meanings by various road users is one challenge with this strategy. Additionally, poor enforcement or poor maintenance of these signs and markings could pose a challenge.

Examples

1) Visual Marking Systems (VMS)

Visual Marking Systems (VMS) is the major supplier of high-quality traffic signs and graphics for the transit sector. Railcars, trains, subways, and buses are just a few of the vehicles for which VMS creates transit signage. These safety markings, graphics, and signs have been created to keep organizations in compliance with all relevant safety standards and laws.

https://visual-marking-systems.hub.biz

2) International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)

The International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) is an organization whose primary goal is to educate members about new equipment and product innovations, as well as the correct installation and maintenance methods for signal systems. IMSA assists in coordinating public safety radio frequencies, including 800 MHz, for the fire, emergency medical service, and public safety pool.

https://www.imsasafety.org/about-imsa/

1. KonSULT. Conventional signs and markings taxonomy and description. Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: http://www.its.leeds.ac.uk/projects/konsult/private/level2/instruments/instrument032/l2_032a.htm
2. KonSULT. (2016). Conventional Signs & Markings. University of Leeds. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: http://www.konsult.leeds.ac.uk/pg/32/
3. K53. Road signs and markings. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: https://www.k53-test.co.za/road-signs-and-markings
4. Road Marking Benefits. (2020). 5 Reasons Why Road Markings Take Care of Drivers and Pedestrians. Rua Seguridad. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: https://www.ruacorp.com/5-reasons-why-road-markings-take-care-of-drivers-pedestrians/
5. City of San Jose. Transportation: Hillsdale Avenue Safety Project. Available from: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects-planning/hillsdale-avenue-safety-project
6. KonSULT. Conventional signs and markings first principles assessment. Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: http://www.its.leeds.ac.uk/projects/konsult/private/level2/instruments/instrument032/l2_032b.htm
7. Rua Seguridad. (2021). How to Make Driving at Night Safer for Motorists. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: https://www.ruacorp.com/5-ways-to-make-driving-at-night-safer/
8. National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). (2020). Signs & Markings. [cited 2022 Jul 5]. Available from: https://nacto.org/publication/city-limits/the-right-speed-limits/corridor-speed-limits/determine-best-option-for-speed-management/signs-markings/