40 mph class RA1 300mm dia Road sign

What standards do SSP’s fixed signs conform to?

Predominantly our fixed road signs, where relevant, comply to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). In depth information on this statutory instrument can be found here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3113/contents/made

All of our road sign artwork is as per the directions and images shown on the TSRGD's web app (link: http://m.tsrgd.co.uk/). Furthermore, all of our fixed road signs are CE marked in accordance with BS EN 12899-1:2007.

Do the rivets holding the channelling in place show through on the face of the sign?

The impact on the aesthetics of the sign is minimal. We take great care to ensure that our signs are as aesthetically perfect as possible, even when riveted. We use specialist blind rivets, manufactured by the market leader. In essence, this means you cannot see the rivets that are holding the channelling in place on the front of the sign, thus giving you the best possible finish and a sign that is very easy to read.

For more info on Bollhoff Blind Riveting, see here: http://www.boellhoff.com/en/de/assembly_systems/riveting.php

What’s the difference between RA1 reflectivity and R2 reflectivity?

RA1 and R2 reflectivity is used for different purposes.

RA1 is the 'lower' standard of reflectivity. This is used on side or private roads and car parks, and has an expected useful lifespan of around 5 years.

R2 (Prismatic) reflectivity is the honeycomb style reflective that you would see on main roads throughout Europe. It has an expected lifespan of 10 years and is legally usable on roads, highways and motorways in the UK.

Why did Class Ref 1 become R2 and Class Ref 2 become RA1? I’m confused!!

BS EN 12899-1: 2007 - Permanent traffic signs were introduced on 1st January 2006 to bring the UK in line with harmonised European standards. This merely changed the name of materials used, not their construction.

In essence, Class 2 became RA1 and Class 1 became R2. As you can see from previous question, R2 is now the superior product.

The symbols you use on your signs – are they compliant and accepted by the likes of the Highways Agency?

The highways authority is the organisation that polices/regulates road signage. Whilst our signs’ designs and sizes comply to all current legislation, you will need to apply to your local highways authority for permission BEFORE you erect any permanent or temporary road sign in England & Wales.

On signs with channelling, do I need anything else to attach them to a post?

In short, yes. Depending on the size of your post and how you are looking to affix your signs, you'll need one of 3 things.

For a 50 or 76mm diameter post (90% of cases). These sign fixing clips can be found at these two links:

http://www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk/security/safety-signs/pair-of-sign-post-fixings-antirotational-clips-50mm-58640.php

http://www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk/security/safety-signs/pair-of-sign-post-brackets-antirotational-clips-76mm-58682.php)

For an oddly shaped or large post, you'd need to use banding, shown here:

http://www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk/security/safety-signs/tamtorque-tamper-resistant-sign-fixing-clips-70100mm.php

Finally, if you're looking to show two signs back to back, you'd need the back to back fixing kit shown here:

http://www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk/security/safety-signs/road-sign-back-to-back-fixing-kit-89mm-diameter-post.php

Always remember to check sizes before ordering post fixings!

How thick are your signs?

The aluminium plate on our signs is 3mm thick. This makes them extremely hardwearing and able to resist knocks from passers-by. Our 3mm thick signs have a greater thickness than many other manufacturers.

If I wanted to deter theft could I have these made in a material that has no scrap value?

Absolutely. This is not an uncommon request. The alternative to aluminium is 2mm thick Dibond Traffic signs. These are made for this purpose specifically. Essentially, this is a 2mm plastic plate, sandwiched in two 0.5mm aluminium extra thin sheets. RA1 or R2 reflective material, showing your message or symbol, is then affixed. This give you an equally good finish whilst being virtually worthless to thieves. These Dibond signs are available on request and usually cost the same as the 3mm thick aluminium ones.

Can I take one of your standard signs and add some text without it costing a fortune?

Yes. With dedicated printing facilities, we can create bespoke artwork at little to no extra cost. These invariably can also be made just as quickly. Another thing that sets us apart from the competition is our in-house designers. We use solely open source design software at SSP. This means that our design team are armed with professional quality, powerful and most importantly to you, free of charge artwork tools that can make your perfect sign without breaking the bank.