New guidelines for national highway and expressway signs have been released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. These new regulations will come into effect from February 2025.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways instructs to put signs every 10 km:
Under the new guideline, it is required for agencies to put up bigger, more noticeable speed restriction signs every 10 kilometres. Signs warning of “no parking” and emergency helpline numbers must be placed every five kilometres.
On highways and expressways, signs must be erected at least two km prior to exits. In addition, the government has also ordered that directing signs be put up to tell slow-moving and heavy cars to stay in the left lane. Additionally, there must be signage pointing out wayside amenities five, two, and one kilometres prior to the destination.
Importance of bigger and clearer signs on the road:
With bigger and more visible road signs, the new guidelines are intended to better direct drivers and assist them in making educated judgements.
For instance, there needs to be a speed restriction sign every five kilometres. According to the regulations, the organisations that own the highway must make sure that “no parking” signs are placed every five kilometres to alert cars. Roadside parking on highways is one of the main causes of deadly collisions, especially at night. It mandates that agencies post sufficient signage at 5-kilometre intervals to advise slow-moving and heavy vehicles to use the far left lane.
Additionally, according to the new guidelines, the emergency helpline number needs to be placed every five kilometres. On motorways and expressways, the appropriate signage must be positioned at least two kilometres ahead of the exit points to warn cars about them. It is imperative that the signage system be improved. However, drivers must also receive training regarding these signs.
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