Signs - Trust Annual Report 1976
Most people seem to agree that Winchester is looking better in-1976. There are fewer empty shops, and the paved High Street is accepted as an improvement, though it is a pity that the opportunity to use York stone was missed.
A new DoE Circular, if its advice is heeded, could also help to improve the street scene. Local authorities are urged to ensure that the environmental impact of traffic signs is kept to a minimum consistent with road safety and traffic management needs. It is to be hoped that when the intersection of High Street and Jewry Street is cleared up, there might be fewer posts needed for the control of traffic. For example the Circular recommends that one "No Entry" sign is sufficient for narrow streets and can be fixed to the wall of a building, unless it is an interesting or historic building. Multi arrangement of directional signs, they say, can be confusing, and will look better in a horizontal format on opposite corners.
These considerations are important in Winchester, because there is a proposal to add further signs to indicate attractive walks and pedestrian routes. This is a good idea but demands much thought to obtain clarity without intrusion. The Civic Trust has recommended that Planning uthorities should be consulted by Highway authorities when placing signs, and this point has been conceded in historic towns.