Huge sign to draw tourists proposed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 532, 19 April 1994, Page 5

Huge sign to draw tourists proposed

Road sigris featured on the Winning Waimarino (Mainstreet) agenda at the group' last meeting, with Dennis Beytagh reporting on his investigations into the various types of road signs that could be used to direct more traffic Waimarino' s way. He has recently been discussing the matter with representatives from Transit New Zealand (TNZ) and the Ruapehu District Council. Two members of the committee proposed that a large natural timber-constructed sign be erected on the triangle at the intersection of SH1 and SH49 in Waiouru to direct traffic through the Waimarino and the Ruapehu region. Such a sign, they argued, would be in the interests of tourism which is one of New Zealand' s fastest growing

industries and should be approved even though it may not fall within the present guidelines set down by TNZ. Several other signs and locations were also proposed and it was decided to invite a representative of TNZ to the Waimarino to discuss the proposals and advise on what can and cannot be done at the various locations in and around the Waimarino. Mr Beytagh outlined the five basic types of sign and two types of location currently in use which he illustrated with photographs: □ Signs with reflectorised white lettering on a black background giving names and distances to various destinations. These are always on road reserves near intersections.

□ AA 'fingerboard' signs pointing to specific facilities. These too are almost invariably on road reserves. □ A more recent type (in New Zealand) is the 'facilities' sign giving notice of facilities which may be useful to travellers. These are relatively large (2.2m x 1.5m) signs on which international symbols such as those for toilets, breakdown service, first aid station, petrol, refreshments, accommodation, camping and caravan sites, and information centres are displayed, usually in reflectorised white on a blue background. These signs are to be found in increasing numbers either on road reserves or just across a boundary fence on private property. In this region they can be seen on SH4 at National Park and on SH47 on either side of the Whakapapa Village/Chateau turn-off. □ Commercial hoarding advertising some particular produce, attraction or service. These vary in size, style and presentation depending on the message, but are almost invariably on private property behind a boundary fence but visible from the road. □ A more recent type of sign are those proclaiming the virtues of the region or district the motorist is about to enter, eg: 'Welcome to the Scenic Rangitikei District.' There are very few of these signs and they are only found on district boundaries On main tourist routes. Mr Beytagh told the meeting that, following his discussion with TNZ, it was his understanding that all signs visible from the road whether they were on road reserve or private property, had to have the approval of TNZ. This was, TNZ explained, to avoid distraction or obstruction for the motorist so that not only the size and content must meet with their approval but the placement also in relation to bends, bridge approaches, level crossings and intersections.