Safe Operation of the Network
The rising traffic growth in the UK is having implications on the existing roads around the country and therefore it is now not just a case of detecting traffic congestion and implementing measures to re-route vehicles.
Constraints of existing roads and public pressure governs to some extent the amount of new road building and therefore successful traffic management now requires a very different approach. PAF will take an innovative approach to traffic management solutions ensuring that all road user types are considered resulting in a safe and effective operation of the network.
Operate efficiently and safely
In order for the road network to operate efficiently and safely information is conveyed to road users by the use of traffic signs and road markings. There are three main type of traffic sign, those that warn road users of hazards, those that inform road users and those that give orders to road users. Their colour and size will depend mainly on their purpose, type of road and speed limit. Traffic signs must conform to the designs prescribed in The Traffic Signs Regulations & Directions, if not they need to be specially authorised by the Secretary of State. Further advice is given in the Traffic Signs Manual.
PAF have proven experience in the conception and design of traffic signing strategies whether it is temporary signing for a private developer or sporting organisation to motorway destination and directional signing. Other related services include:
Surveys/audits: individual locations or routes can be visited to audit existing traffic sign assemblies to ensure that they are to designed and installed to current standards, located in a safe position and where appropriate protected or passively safe.
Tourism signing: the procedure and criteria for the provision of brown tourism signs has recently been revised. PAF can, on behalf of businesses and organisations, assess for the necessary criteria and if applicable can apply to the relevant highway authority on the clients behalf.
Intelligent transport systems: traditional signing may not necessarily be adequate or effective in some instances and in these cases variable message or interactive signing assemblies can be considered.
A wide range of traffic calming
Traffic calming is commonly seen on our roads, particularly in residential areas. It is a way in which negative impacts, such as inappropriate speed and excessive noise, can be addressed and overall safety improved. There are a wide range of traffic calming features that can implemented such as road humps, speed cushions, gateway treatments, coloured surface treatments, traffic islands, build outs, chicanes, junction plateaux and mini roundabouts.
Drive within the posted speed limit
In terms of road safety it is essential that road users drive/ride within the posted speed limit, reducing it when required such as inclement weather conditions or hazardous situations.
PAF can undertake speed management studies in both rural and urban environments to ascertain existing speed limits, existing signs and road markings, performance of improvements already implemented, behaviour of drivers/riders, vehicle speeds, type and number of collisions and casualties. After consultation with the police, stakeholders and residents our engineers can design appropriate speed management solutions such as:
- reduced or variable speed limits
- 20 mph zones
- improved signing & road markings
- traffic calming
- provision of enforcement equipment
