Mixed Signals

The rapid development of the road network in the UK during the 1950s, 60s and 70s is well documented. Not only did the approach to roadbuilding change; the science of highway and traffic engineering became much more sophisticated too.

The development of modern road signs in the early 1960s is well documented; what's not so well known is that the same period saw innovation and experimentation with the relatively new idea of changeable signs.

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I was hoping that Google might reveal what else the sign might say by looking back at previous dates, but alas all dates showed the same on the sign. Anyone know what other messages are hiding there?

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Sources

  • Development of "secret" traffic signs and technologies; research into systems in use in Italy, USA and elsewhere: MT 126/53.
  • Sign trials on M5 in Worcestershire: MT 95/668, MT 96/670.
  • "Motorwarn" trials and installation: MT 95/924.
  • Development of NCMS, M1 trials and MS1 signals: Ron Bridle, Peter Baldwin, John Porter, Robert Baldwin (ed.). 2002. "The Motorway Achievement: Frontiers of Knowledge and Practice". ICE Publishing.

With thanks to John O'Connell for information on this page.

Tags
Variable Message Signs, Motorways, Signage

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