Someone seems to have the wrong idea in my view, 3M ( who I found in the past to be very straight forward in their trials and recommendations), now say that 'Brighter is Better' Maybe it is the case where there is lots of competition from other light sources, but use of the highly reflective grades on rural roads where there is no other lighting is a bloody nuisance. There are places on SH16 where there is so much glare from the signs that it is not possible to actually see the road edge. Cubic reflective sheet is used where the old fashioned 'High Intensity; grade would be better.
Unfortunately - I am no longer in a position where I could get on the phone berate these 'far too bright' guys :)
No doubt there are other roads where a similar situation exists.
tintop,
Feb 1, 7:14pm
The old b&w ones went the way of the dodo when NZ adopted a UN convention on road signs. ( There is a reason that large numbers of sign types in different countries are similar :) )
For an insight into signs: google 'MOTSAM' ( Manual of Traffic Signs and Markings)
lissa25,
Feb 1, 7:36pm
No light pollution around here makes them more a hazard than a help. Thanks for the insight, good food for thought.
socram,
Feb 2, 6:59am
Am I missing something here? An old fashioned advisory fixed sign saying there are slow corners, be that 50kph or 35kph, means that I can't take them at 100kph. I may well be able to take them at 20% higher than the posted speed without discomfort to the passengers or risking falling off the road, but why would I need anything more than that?
If people are so dumb that they can't read the existing road signs, (or the road ahead), then maybe they shouldn't be in possession of a driving licence? I am willing to bet that there are loads of posters in here who have never fallen off the road or drifted across into the incoming lane - or if they did when they were young, it was a quick wake up call and hopefully it didn't happen a second time.
pauldw,
Feb 2, 7:33am
The manual specifies that the panels are offset so that approaching traffic doesn't get light straight back at them. Either they never get checked or the guys suck at snooker.
tintop,
Feb 2, 9:10am
Yes - I would agree with most of that. There are the normal sign arrangements ( Check MOTSAM ) there are a variety of arrangements that cater for the speed value of the bend, and the 90%ile approach speed. It all leads to the size of the sign and its distance from the bend, the use of chevrons etc,) However if there is a history of mishaps at the particular bend, additional warnings are considered useful.
Awareness is another issue - I know of one area that has 750km of roading and over 12,000 individual sign panels. Perhaps drivers get sick of them?
Locally - the series of the 3 bends and the bridge in the Dome Valley probably warrant the active sign. The road is historically badly aligned and only a new bridge and realignment by cutting into the cliff and filling beside the river will bring it to modern standards.
Oh - and speed advisory signs start at 5kmph and increase in 10kmph increments. I would be most surprised to see a 20kmph advisory, But I take your drift.
And another 'Oh' - At the same series of bends, southbound, the first left hand bend past the rest area I did run horribly wide once in the road maggot. It was a close call between me and the KW coming the other way, but I have a new line through that bend now - making good use of the left shoulder at the apex. :)
petal_91,
Feb 2, 9:39am
These signs are definitely needed to inform tourists and other clueless types. If you don't like them and the fact they are set at the cornering speed of a Ford Anglia on cross-plies, just ignore them and see if you can do the corner at double the advised limited on something like that.
tintop,
Feb 2, 9:45am
There is a method to them - most importantly the methodology is in standard use thorough the country ( barring political interference in some tinpot local authorities) The advisory recommendations are generally give an advisory in the order of some one who is not familiar with the road, can safely negotiate the bend in moderately adverse conditions.
tintop,
Feb 2, 9:46am
pauldw wrote: The manual specifies that the panels are offset so that approaching traffic doesn't get light straight back at them. Either they never get checked or the guys suck at snooker.[/quote Not so much offset, but angled to the left .
bill-robinson,
Feb 2, 10:37am
is that the same place that has a an 80kph passing lane?
tintop,
Feb 2, 11:06am
Yes - there is an overall speed limit of 80kmph through the Dome Valley - including a section built to modern standards that has a north bound overtaking lane. Not sure of the history - but I think the section was constructed before the reduced speed limit was put in place.
bill-robinson,
Feb 2, 11:20am
shame that thre whole of the dome valley is drivable at 100kph IF you can operate a car and read the road. pointless restictons to protect sheep
tintop,
Feb 2, 11:45am
There are a couple of sections where the alignment is such that 100kmph is not possible in a run of the mill car. And given the frequency of the fire/ambulance/police trips north of Warkworth - I guess that 80 is beyond some drivers as well.
nukhelenc,
Feb 2, 12:14pm
Just wait till the female uni students want them on the bedroom walls. Slow down Harry, ya going to fast
gsimpson,
Jul 12, 10:43pm
They should put them on straight sections of road and overtaking lanes so one can get past the painful drivers easily.
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