Wrong Signs Add to Confusion...By Thomas the Taxi.

On Sunday night, a friend asked me what the blue 30mph signs meant at the junction of Park Lane (northbound) and Cumberland Gate?? 


After two minutes on the iPhone, in the traffic signs manual (chapter 3) section 14:36, I found them to be minimum speed limit signs, signifying 30mph. These signs are generally found on motorways to spot traffic going too slow. All traffic must comply with their command.


As Park Lane is part of TfL's Red Rout road network, I believe all traffic road markings and signage are the responsibility of the TfL.

Why have they replaced these

With These?

There can only be one of two reasons, why these signs have replaced the old ones:

1. Its TfL's way of keeping the unsafe, unruly, deathtraps known as rickshaw bikes away from Marble Arch.
2. Or more likely, given TfL's appalling record with street signs, they have been put up in error!

MINIMUM SPEED LIMITS
14.36  Minimum speed limit orders are not
commonly made, as it can be difficult to determine
the minimum speed to be expected from vehicles
in free-flow conditions. Where there is a particular
problem with slow-moving vehicles, it might be
preferable to prohibit certain types of traffic from
the road, as described in section 5; this is likely to be
easier to enforce. 


Where a minimum speed limit is introduced, this will be in addition to the maximum or national speed limit in force. 


This means the 40mph limit on Park Lane Northbound, will legally still be in force in all directions away from Marble Arch (Bayswater Road, Edgware Road and Oxford Street) until another speed limit sign comes into force???? 


So, to whoever is in charge on signage on this section of TfL's Red Rout Network:
Could you please inform us why you felt the need to replace the old signs?
Were we driving too slow round Marble Arch?

Peter Hendy, I am available for consultation on "Street Signs and Road Markings", its my specialist subject.
And my fees are very reasonable... TtT.