Red light shown to 'keep left' bollards?

Date: 5/9/2011

'Keep left' bollards are not always needed to improve road safety, it has been claimed - which could be good news for people living in conservation areas.

Wales Online has spoken to two design consultants, who have noted that there are alternative - and possibly more aesthetically-pleasing - ways of warning drivers of obstructions on the road ahead.

Speaking of the famous cast iron clock in the South Wales town of Tredegar, Cwmbran-based Transport Planner Jon Fox told the news provider that the 'keep left' signs placed around it are superfluous as they are right next to the structure - which is 72 feet high.

Urban Design Consultant John Dales agreed, suggesting that the blue and yellow of the bollards could be visually intrusive and that a more subtle appearance may be preferable.

Meanwhile, Peter Cox, Chairman of Cardiff Civic Society, said local authorities could save millions of pounds by getting rid of signage that is not needed, while traffic flow may also be improved and road safety would not suffer.

"We would end up with more attractive townscapes. If sacrificing 'keep left' bollards is the place to start, give me a shovel," he claimed.

Posted by Mary Treen