Road gets 'new name' with sign of confusion
TORBAY Council has installed a new sign outside the town's post office — leading many people to think that Paignton's Torquay Road is now Hyde Road.
The sign has the words 'Hyde Road' across the top, and below it in a second section is an arrow pointing towards Torquay and Preston. It has been installed outside the main post office, which is about 400 yards from Hyde Road.
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Matthew Clarke, owner of Torbay Bookshop in Torquay Road, said he was amazed to see the sign when he returned from a booksellers' awards ceremony.
He added: "We came back from the awards evening and found our shop had been 'moved'. We were situated in Torquay Road, but now we're in 'Hyde Road'.
"Why has that happened? And the post office has 'moved' as well. It's very confusing for everyone — confusing and frustrating.
"I've been told it's supposed to signify Hyde Road junction, but that's 400 yards away, nowhere near the sign, which in the middle of Torquay Road.
"The significant word 'junction' is not on the sign. If you see a road sign telling you 'Hyde Road', you believe that's where you are.
"The sign itself looks like it should be on a motorway. It's the ugliest street signage I've seen — and it's incorrect. It doesn't work on any level. It's a shambles."
A Torbay Council spokesman said the new sign is in line with Government stipulations.
He added: "New signs have been introduced as part of the Paignton signing review. Signing is particularly important in Torbay due to the number of visitors we receive.
"The sign in question is an advanced-direction sign informing drivers of the different option before they approach the junction, and national guidelines suggest that the name of the junction is included.
"In this case the junction name is Hyde Road, and that has been included on the top of the sign. It is not the name of the street.
"A similar example is the nearby milk bottle junction where the 'milk bottle' name will also be included at the top of the signs.
"If all the junctions were entitled 'Torquay Road', people would not be able to distinguish one from the other.
"The signage scheme was subject to consultation, and we will review their effectiveness and make any adjustments if necessary."
7 Comments
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by Diane, Torquay
Monday, October 06 2008, 9:22PM
“What a load of codswallop from the Council. It is hard enough to people, local or otherwise, to work out where everything is, without having signs refering to another place! And, we have enough street furniture around without more being added. It is getting harder and harder to walk around Torquay and Paignton town centres without bumping into benches, bins, lamposts and signs. I long for the day I can walk along a pavement without having to constantly negotiate my way around stationery items!”
by JJ (over 65), Torbay
Saturday, October 04 2008, 11:13PM
“Unfortunately ( H I M Merseyside) it's not the old codgers who represent us as councillors who bring forward all this nonsense.
It is likely that empire-building middle/upper management among the council officers think daily about how to spend (waste) their outrageous budgets.
One Mayoral contender - Rob Crawford - had the eminently sensible suggestion that 'family trees' of departments including staff numbers and salary ranges would be published if he was elected.
Regrettably he was one of the true Independents shoved aside by the present incumbent flying under false colours.”
by H I Manning, MERSEYSIDE
Saturday, October 04 2008, 8:13PM
“.Having moved to Merseyside from Torbay This Cornishman notes the noticeable increase in common sense applied here, (when National politics permit). Conclusion, The Captain "Mannereings" doesn¿t retire here and fill in their spare time by participating in local politics and administration. Try electing and appointing locals to your administration”
by jacky, paignton
Saturday, October 04 2008, 5:43PM
“Dave W, George Bedford and Matthew Clarke are all spot on with their comments. Who was consulted?
As traders we have to get planning permision for our signage but the council appear to ignore all advertising guidelines and conservation area policies.”
by Observer,, Deux-Sevres
Saturday, October 04 2008, 2:53PM
“What is the problem? As has been pointed out, it is an advanced-direction sign providing necessary information. many other towns and cities throughout the world have them and are most useful,
and apparently they even provide an excuse for another Matthew Clarke "Whine"!”