Summary
A road traffic sign, known as a prohibition disc dating from between 1904 and 1919.
Reasons for Designation
The Traffic Prohibition Sign on Coast Road, Overstrand, Norfolk, erected between 1904 and 1919, is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* RARITY: It is a rare surviving example of an early-C20 road traffic sign, very few of which remain in their original location.
* DESIGN: The sign has a decorative quality and level of detailing which is not found on later versions of this type of sign, which are mostly finished to standardised patterns.
* HISTORIC: It is representative of road traffic management on English roads prior to the establishment of the Ministry of Transport.
History
Although some of the earliest known traffic warning signs were introduced in the mid-C19 by an organisation called the 'Bicycle Union', it was not until the 1903 Motor Car Act that legislative power was provided to allow local authorities to erect their own signs. The subsequent circular of 1904 specified a standard design of either a hollow red triangle - indicating a hazard, a solid red disc - indicating a prohibition, or a hollow white ring - indicating a speed limit.
Details
A road traffic sign, known as a prohibition disc, dating from between 1904 and 1919. It comprises a cast-iron column that is approximately 9 feet (2.7m) in height, painted with black and white bands with a cast-iron disc that has a diameter of approximately 18 inches (450 mm) painted red. The column has ring detailing at its base and mid-shaft, and a simple, decorative post cap which forms the base of the disc. At the top of the column there is a pair of mounting brackets to take an instruction plate. A modern 'Neighbourhood Watch Area' sign has been attached to the column in the late C20.
Sources
Websites www.igg.org Other
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
End of official list entry
