English street name signs
The dissertation examines the role of street name signs in England today, outlining their positive and negative aspects with the aim of proposing solutions including the potential introduction of a standardised design. A street name sign’s purpose is to identify a street or road, create a sense of belonging to an area and to be useful as a wayfinding device. Street name signs in England currently have no enforced instructions regarding their design, manufacture and placement, which has led to the implementation of poor signage across the country. The responsibility for the design and implementation lies with each of the 388 local councils in England, with only a Ministry for Transport document for guidance. This document, entitled ‘Circular Roads 3/93’ is not always fully adhered to, resulting in designs lacking legibility, readability and consistency in placement and design.
This study investigates current street name sign legislation, existing guidelines, correct practices in sign design and compares these with numerous interpretations that are evident on our streets. This research is analysed and more restrictive guidelines are suggested, with an aim of improving legibility and usability and leads to an example design of a street name plate system.
It is proposed that one of three solutions should be implemented: imposition of a nationwide standardised design, production of a number of suitable designs, or updating and enforcing existing guidelines with the idea this would alleviate the problems highlighted. The feasibility of this proposal is then discussed, with a view of suggesting how to improve the current state of street name signs in England.
Below is a proposed solution for the problems highlighted in the text:
