Signs delay policy

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 446, 28 July 1992, Page 7

Signs delay policy

i he council is to negotiate with Transit New Zealand over roadside sign policy differences, before changes to the Ruapehu District bylaws governing signs. A review of the district' s signs policy has been under way for some time and a policy was drafted, but Transit New Zealand recently issued their policy which contradicted the council' s on some points. The council decidpd it would be better to negotiate with TNZ, along with neighbouring districts, before setting their policy. This would avoid confrontation with TNZ at the planning tribunal. TNZ policy states that signs on state highways should only be placed on the property they relate to; that only one sign per property should be erected, and that signs be limited to no more than five words and six symbols. Cr Snow asked if the policy could include something to cover maintenance of signs, to overcome the problem of signs falling into disrepair. Such signs created a bad impression on travellers, she said. General manager Cliff Houston summed up, asking councillors if they agreed with: the one-sign concept for urban businesses; a need for more flexible signs policy for rural areas; and a preference for integrated signs for the travelling public at the entrances to urban areas.