Depth Gauge - 826/826.1

JulieW

I've just discovered that the above depth gauge is no longer permitted under TSRGD 2016. Does anyone know why, I can't find any discussion about it? Is there a replacement gauge I am missing?
Thanks

SimonMorgan

I asked this very question at the DfT's Traffic Signs Technical Working Party in June 2016. The answer I got (as it appears in the official minutes) was: "WD [DfT] replied that it could possibly be installed using the Planning Regulations, whilst MY [Highways England] thought that the Environment Agency had their own powers to install these".

More recently, a draft of the new Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 4 has been given a limited circulation for 'peer review'. Whilst discussing fords, it makes no mention of depth gauges. The IHE made strong representations that they should be included, as their omission from Chapter 4 implies that DfT thinks these devices are no longer necessary and that authorities may remove them. The IHE considers that would be dangerous and could lead to lives being lost.

SimonMorgan

I am pleased to say that the water depth indicator is illustrated in the newly published version of TSM Chapter 4, with a note that it needs to be authorised by the relevant national authority.

That's great news, but a somewhat backward step for a previously prescribed signs to now need site authorisation. Also, it's a pity that DfT didn't accede to IHE's other suggestion for this sign - to replace "M" with "m" as the correct international abbreviation for metres.

BrynBuck

I hope the logic was *new* sites requiring depth indicators should not be built; hopefully replacement of existing ones will not require site specific authorisation.

Likewise I suppose where flooding happens under bridges the argument is "well fix the flooding"?

Hopefully a future TSRGD will undo what appears to be a blunder.