The splendour of Scotland’s landscape is internationally renowned. Each year many visitors take time to tour our country by coach, car, motorcycle and bicycle to take in the history, culture and scenic beauty that is Scotland. It is important that the quality of their experience is maintained and enhanced in all that we do.
Road verges form part of the ‘picture frame’ through which the landscape beyond is viewed and enjoyed. These same verges are also home to traffic signs, marker posts, safety fences, public utility equipment and all the other paraphernalia of a modern communications corridor. Many such items, either singly or in combination, can have a significant visual impact on the surrounding environment.
Transport Scotland and local road authorities regularly replace traffic signs and other items of road furniture as part of annual maintenance and renewal programmes. By working together the Agency and SCOTS have produced this guidance document for all those involved in the design and installation of roadside equipment. The document explores the flexibility contained in existing regulations and local transport notes and advocates an holistic approach to the provision of road furniture in the context of the adjacent landscape. It also provides a valuable section on the general principles of designing for Scotland’s landscape.
In January 2003 the Scottish Executive made the decision to approve provision of bilingual road signs on trunk and local roads in the Western Highlands. The guidance will help ensure that any further new signs respect the inherent character of the landscape, enhancing the sense of place and pride in language and cultural identity felt by Gaelic speakers and all those who enjoy the countryside of Scotland. The guidance will also be of immediate benefit to those involved in equipping roads within our two newly created National Parks.
I commend this document to all who are involved in the design and installation of roadside equipment in Scotland.
Tavish Scott MSP
Minister for Transport
June 2006
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