Traffic signs and parking signs buying guide
If you own a site that allows vehicles to drive through, make deliveries or park, you may need to consider investing in some form of traffic and parking signage to help manage vehicles & pedestrians. At UK Safety Store we have an expansive collection of signs that can be used for entrances, exits, parking bays and more. Our traffic and parking signs buying guide covers the important aspects to be aware of when choosing your signage, including some legal guidelines, materials and installation points, and helping you to prioritise the safety of customers, staff and members of the public.
What are traffic and car parking signs?
Traffic and car park signs are visual signage used in and around traffic areas, parking areas and roadsides, to provide instructions or warnings to vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians... anyone in and around the area where vehicles are present. It can be anything from a sign informing people of an entrance to a car park, to warnings about heavy machinery being operated nearby, speed limit restrictions, and many more. Common traffic signage fall into categories such as No Parking Signs, Car Parking Signs, Pedestrian Signs in amongst many others. Traffic & Parking Signs can be located indoors, such as underground car parks, or typically used externally in and around places where both vehicles and pedestrians are present.
What are the regulations for traffic and parking signs?
Traffic and parking sign regulations can differ depending on where they are being used. For example, if you are a private car park owner, being a member of a DVLA recognised Accredited Trade Association (ATA) will probably be required. One option could be to join the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS), which is offered by The British Parking Association (BPA). Their code of good practice details guidelines on the positioning, size and content of parking signs.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 legislation is a set of guidelines set by the government. It offers more detail about parking signs and how they should be used. In the UK, Traffic signs should comply with EN ISO 7010:2012 which relates to the colours and geometric shapes used in the design and symbols.
There are also other specific traffic sign regulations when it comes to the more road based traffic signage - including size, positioning and specific reflective materials that need to be used.
What traffic and parking signs do I need?
The type of traffic parking signs you may need depends on the traffic area or car park you are installing the signs into, while also considering any potential hazards. For example, there will be a different type of vehicle and flow entering a commercial shopping centre car park compared to a construction site. The signage information will need to reflect this environment, and when planning for car park signage the suggestion of a detailed risk assessment of the traffic area is important. Our custom printed traffic signs are the place to go if you need uniquely branded or worded traffic signs.
What are the most popular traffic and parking signs?
While there are many traffic and parking signs to choose from, safety should always be considered. When assessing the positioning of the sign, consider the issues that will cause danger or inconvenience to others. In many cases this is related to speed, which needs to be controlled in areas where other vehicles and pedestrians are present. For example, a 5mph speed limit sign helps to reduce speeding in car parks and industrial estates and lowers the risk of accidents with other vehicles and pedestrians. No parking and keep clear signs play an important role in keeping delivery bays, site entrances and other areas clear from vehicles that could potentially block others that are attempting to carry out deliveries or other forms of business-related activities. Alternatively, using a No Pedestrians Sign informs people who are on foot, that they are not permitted to enter an area for their own safety - these can often be used in conjunction with other signs, such as Pedestrians please use other footpath.
What type of materials are used for traffic and parking signs?
Traffic and parking signs are often installed in outdoor environments which requires them to be made from weatherproof rigid materials that can cope with changes to the external conditions. At UK Safety Store we have a host of high-quality traffic parking signs that ensure durability and excellent value, many of which come with high-reflective finishings. Signs are often made from:
- Aluminium Composite Board (Dibond) - often used for permanent external signage
- Recyclable Correx - lighweight temporary signage
- Rigid Plastic - light and strong, ideal for fixing to walls.
- Self-Adhesive Vinyl - easy application onto smooth surfaces
When choosing the right material, you should consider adverse weather conditions, potential vandalism and the effects of nearby vegetation to ensure the material is suitable for the area. The BPA suggests using retro-reflective paint to make signs easy to spot and read, or installing a sign beneath a light for easy access to the information.
Where should you install a traffic or parking sign?
A key part of the risk assessment you carry out will involve deciding where to install your traffic sign or parking sign. All signage should be positioned in areas where it is highly visible for the target audience, including vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Signs should be installed at an appropriate height so it can be clearly seen and so that its visibility will not be impaired by obstacles such as trees, fences, or parked cars.
A sign should be installed at the entrance to a site that summarises the rules of the facility and that specific terms and conditions will apply once they have driven inside. UK Safety Store stock a comprehensive range of parking and traffic signs that are suitable for all types of environments and locations. Some designs are also customisable, or we specialise in custom printed traffic signs and custom printed parking signs, giving you more options to include the information you need to keep motorists and pedestrians as safe as possible.
