Revision 2, last updated: February 2010
Print version: Appendix 3: Active warning signs trial [PDF, 49 KB] (PDF, 46 KB)
In many overseas jurisdictions, flashing lights are used to give additional emphasis to the warning or instruction given on a sign. In New Zealand such use has been restricted formally to variable message signs including those installed on Auckland and Wellington motorways, some road work vehicles, variable speed limits in school zones and advance warning to traffic signals.
There is sometimes a need for warning signs that become 'active' only when a temporary condition exists. However, in many situations the high cost of full variable message signage cannot be justified.
The Timaru District Council and the Invercargill City Council proposed a trial of the use of flashing lights attached to signs in four specific applications as attached. These signs are distinguishable from other signs in that they have symbols or wording on a black background.
The results from the initial trials in Timaru District and Invercargill City have been inconclusive. These trials have therefore been extended and an additional trial of both school zone signs has been established in Dunedin City.
The Director of Land Transport (Director) considered the application for a trial in Dunedin City Council and his approval along with the extension to the original trial was published in the NZ Gazette on 27 April 2006. (See attached copy [PDF, 35 KB] (PDF, 36 KB).)
The 'active' signs are proposed alternatives to existing signage and differ significantly from the legislated format. In the case of the Option 1 school bus sign, the implications in terms of driver obligations require formal recognition of the sign format to be given by the NZ Gazette notice. The Director was therefore required to approve the signs for the purposes of the trial.
The extended trial of the active school bus sign (option 1 with symbol of children) showed positive results with drivers slowing down when passing a school bus with the yellow lights flashing. It was therefore decided to replace the existing active symbolic School Bus sign (W17- 1.3 in Schedule 1 of the Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices) with a revised active sign having a green-yellow symbol of children on a black background. This change was made in the 2007 amendment to the TCD Rule.
School Zone and School Patrol signs: The extended trial in Dunedin showed positive results in reducing vehicle speeds outside schools where warning signs with the 'children' symbol and the words SCHOOL ZONE were activated with alternately flashing amber lights. However an increase in vehicle speeds was recorded in some sites where the active SCHOOL PATROL sign had been installed.
It was therefore decided to approve by Gazette notice the active SCHOOL ZONE warning sign with 'children' symbol (sign D in the trial) for use outside schools (including those schools with operating school patrols) on roads which meet defined selection criteria. The recommended criteria and technical details for these signs are set out in Traffic Note 56 Active school warning signs (issued October 2008).
Sign B 'School Patrol – Prepare to Stop' was found to be less effective in reducing traffic speeds than sign D SCHOOL ZONE. It was therefore decided to recommend the use of the SCHOOL ZONE sign at locations where School Patrols are operating and not to approve sign B for general use.
The active stock crossing sign (symbol of a cow with the words PREPARE TO STOP) has been approved by Gazette notice for sites where standard reflective warning signs are considered to be inadequate. The selection process for this sign and several other types of fixed active warning signs is explained in Traffic Note 57 Active warning signs (not at schools), issued October 2008.
The Active SCHOOL ZONE and 'Stock crossing' signs will be included in the draft 2010 TCD Amendment Rule.
For further information about these trials please contact:
Eddie Cook, Invercargill City Council, Private Bag 90 104, Invercargill
Phone 03 211 1694 email eddie.cook@icc.govt.nz
Bruce Conaghan, Dunedin City Council, PO Box 5045, Dunedin
Phone 03 474 3601 email bruce.conaghan@dcc.govt.nz
Yvonne Warnaar, NZ Transport Agency, PO Box 13 364, Christchurch
Phone 03 964 2842 email yvonne.warnaar@nzta.govt.nz
