According to Public works manager Darryl Astofooroff, the city has drafted a policy with one of its objectives being to “minimize sign proliferation in order to maintain road safety and avoid driver confusion.”
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
March 25, 2014 - 10:04 AM
KELOWNA – The clutter of tourist destination signs along many of Kelowna’s busiest routes may be more than just an eyesore; they may be jeapordizing your safety.
According to Public Works Manager Darryl Astofooroff, the city has drafted a policy with one of its objectives being to “minimize sign proliferation in order to maintain road safety and avoid driver confusion.”
The policy, which was approved unanimously by council, will also address requests for new signs from business owners who also want to direct tourists from provincial highways to their location.
“This policy will assist visitors and residents getting to major attractions, reduce roadside sign clutter, decrease driver confusion and create a safer road network by ensuring signage does not compete with other important traffic control devices,” Astofooroff says.
Engineering traffic technician Lauren Campbell says in a report to Council, “When staff began to receive numerous requests for signs and went to identify locations for their installation, it became apparent that many areas have such a proliferation that their messages and directions were difficult to understand. Adding signs in these areas would make it even more difficult for drivers to get the information they need.”
Other objectives of this policy include setting eligible criteria for applicants, formalizing the application process and creating a self-funded program by recovering sign manufacturing, installation and administration costs.
The implementation strategy includes consolidation of current signage, collection of applications for new signs and removal of illegal signs.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will complete installation of new signs once they are approved at the local level.
"Existing signs will be replaced and consolidated at no cost to the business," he says.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014