Places where children and pedestrians mix with vehicles deserve careful signage. Schools, crèches, shopping centres, clinics and busy walkways all need messages that drivers and walkers can read at a glance. This guide covers how to plan the signs and equipment, and what to confirm before you order.
Understand the setting
Begin by working out which parts of the site involve people on foot and vehicles together. At a school, for example, these may include:
- The drop-off and pick-up zone
- Entrance and exit gates
- Pedestrian crossings and walkways
- Staff and visitor parking
- Delivery and service entrances
- Sports fields and play areas
Each area has its own risk. Drop-off areas get congested; delivery entrances involve large vehicles; play areas need protection from stray traffic.
Public road or private property?
If the signs are within the school grounds or a private property, the school governing body or property owner is responsible for decisions. If the signs are on or beside a public road, such as a pedestrian crossing sign near the school gate, confirm requirements and permissions with the relevant road authority or municipality first. We do not state what is required at any particular location.
Types of signs to consider
Warning signs
Warning signs alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians or children. Our warning signs follow the SARTSM codes, including symbolic warnings in the W300 series. Using the code ensures you order the right symbol.
Regulatory signs
Stop, yield, speed and prohibition signs set clear rules. See regulatory signs.
Directional and information signs
Help visitors find reception, parents’ parking and drop-off points. See information and notice signs.
Safety signs
Inside buildings, fire equipment, assembly point and hazard signs are part of the safety plan. See safety signs and fire equipment signs.
Custom signs
School names, house rules and drop-off instructions can be made as custom signs. Read ordering custom signs for the process.
Physical measures that support signs
Signs work best when backed up by the layout. Options in our range include:
- Pedestrian barriers to guide people along safe routes
- Speed bumps and speed ramps to slow vehicles
- Cones and delineators to mark drop-off lanes
- Barrier chain and chain stands to close off areas outside hours
Placement of speed humps and similar measures on public roads is controlled by the authorities, so do not install anything on a public road without permission.
Design for readability
- Use strong contrast and simple symbols
- Choose a size that suits how far away the viewer will be; see choosing the correct sign size
- Consider reflective faces for early mornings, late afternoons and dim weather; see reflective material options
- Keep signs free of overgrown plants and other obstructions
Think about the people reading
Children, older people and visitors who do not know the site all rely on clear signs. Where possible, combine symbols with brief text. Walk the route yourself at their eye level to see what they see.
Plan for temporary events
Sports days, open days and building work change traffic patterns for short periods. Portable options such as signs on stands, cones and expandable barriers can be set up and removed quickly.
Involve the right people
For a school or workplace, your health-and-safety officer or safety committee should review the plan. For roads outside the gate, speak to the municipality or road authority. A traffic engineer can help with larger projects.
Reviewing the plan each year
Schools and busy sites change. New buildings, altered drop-off routes and different traffic volumes can make last year’s signs less effective. Review your signage at least once a year and after any layout change. Walk the site at peak times, note where people hesitate or cut corners, and adjust signs or barriers accordingly. Keep a list of what is installed so replacements and additions can be ordered quickly.
Get help with your plan
Send us your list through request a quote, ask about a site survey, or call 073 625 5637, 063 132 8088, 063 253 5542 or 067 741 0422. You can also browse road traffic signs in the shop.