Highway Signs Improvement Project
Purpose of Project
The improve the quality of highway signage in the centre of Leatherhead for the benefit of the townscape and to make it easier for visitors to Leatherhead to find their way into and out of the town centre.
Background
The road system in Leatherhead is a particular challenge. Because of the narrow town centre streets a pedestrianised High Street was introduced in the early 1980s. This has advantages for the commercial heart of the town, but traffic has to be directed around the periphery of the town centre and accommodated within a gyratory system, which can be confusing to motorists.
Over the years new signs have been introduced and added to existing signs and posts. Old signs have not been replaces and some are redundant. There is an opportunity to rationalise the signs and to make the highway environment less cluttered. An opportunity was taken early in 2007 to undertake improvement to the signage on a section of the gyratory system as part of Section 274 works associated with a new retail development. The developers paid for this work. The County Council would like to continue these improvements.
What will be provided?
The contract will be in three parts:
Replacement of existing non-illuminated signs and posts that are damaged or corroded
Replacement of illuminated signs and posts
Alterations to directional signing to ensure consistent route signing, correct errors and reduce sign clutter.
The provision of a fingerpost for pedestrians in the centre of the commercial area to provide information to visitors on the main services and attractions (see illustration).
Healthcheck References
Objective 1: To review and implement a town centre improvement plan which encourages economic vitality and prosperity whilst safeguarding the needs of the residents, visitors and the environment
Action V1.3 Improve the attractiveness of the area both physically and aesthetically in order to celebrate the centre of the town. This will involve the coordinated provision of…fingerposts…
Objective 6: To enhance the visual attractiveness of the townscape and the routes into the town.
Action EN5.3 Update signage and fingerposts as part of a co-ordinated scheme of signage both within the town and to the main destinations around it.
Outline of Project Plan
March/April
Develop project brief for contractor Carillion in consultation with SCc and Mole Valley District Council
Commission work
May/June/July
Undertake consultation with Planning Department, town centre manager, town centre forum, Highways Department and other interested parties
August/September
Agree details of work and final costs
October-February 2008
Implement work
Project Costs
Highway sign works £45,000
Fingerpost £ 3,000
Total Costs £47,000
Project Income
Section 106 contributions/SCC £45,000
Thomas Flack Trust Fund £ 3,000