GB2245402A - Road warning signs - Google Patents

Abstract

A road warning sign in the form of a decoy (10) comprises the image of a part of whole or a police vehicle. The decoy has a support structure for the image and positioning and securing means enabling the decoy to be positioned and secured adjacent a carriageway. The decoy may include means to make audible and or visible warning signals. These signals may be operated remotely and at pre-set times and for pre-set periods of time. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ROAD WARNING SIGNS The present invention relates to road warning signs and a method of using such signs. In particular the invention concerns road warning signs in the form of decoys which are simulations of the whole or part of a police vehicle.

The current speed limit on roads in the United Kingdom is a maximum of 70 mph on motorways and lower speeds for other classified roads. It is not uncommon for these speed limits to be exceeded on a regular basis by a considerable number of drivers, particularly on motorways. Police manpower, equipment and resources are insufficient to control the breaking of these speed limits.

However it is known that the mere presence of a police vehicle parked within view of drivers can have a salutary effect and causes drivers to drive for at least a period of time at or close to the relevant speed limit. The provision of police personnel and vehicles to conduct such operations is expensive.

The present invention seeks to provide a decoy which could accomplish the same effect at a considerably reduced cost.

Accordingly the present invention provides a decoy in the form of at least part of the elevation of a police vehicle, the decoy having mounting means enabling the decoy to be positioned adjacent a road in view of drivers.

The decoy can be in the form of a structure having a surface upon which an image of the whole or part of one or more of the elevations of a police vehicle can be provided.

For example, the structure can comprise the framework to which a sheet or sheets of suitable material are attached, the image of the whole or part of the police vehicle being formed, eg photographed, printed or painted upon the sheet or sheets.

The framework can be collapsible so as to provide for ease of transportation and for rapid erection.

The image of the police vehicle on the decoy can comprise a side elevation of the police vehicle or any combination of the whole or part of both of the side elevations and rear elevations of a police vehicle.

Also the decoy can include warning lights and audible warnings in order to reinforce the impression that the decoy is a real police vehicle.

The warning lights and audible warnings can be arranged to operate as and when required either by remote control or by pre-set timing devices.

The present invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of one form of decoy according to the present invention, Fig. 2 shows the decoy of Fig. 1 in place adjacent a carriageway, Fig. 3 shows the front elevation of another form of decoy according to the present invention, and Fig. 4 shows the rear elevation of a further form of decoy according to the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 a decoy 10 comprises an image of the side elevation of a police vehicle on a sheet 12 of suitable material.

The sheet 12 is attached to a support structure only the legs 14 of which are shown. The legs 14 are configured so that the decoy 10 can be positioned correctly adjacent a carriageway and to maintain the decoy in an upright position. For example, the legs 14 can terminate in points so that the legs can be driven into the ground. Alternatively the legs 14 can terminate in feet comprising weights.

Referring to Fig. 2 the decoy 10 is shown positioned adjacent the carriageway of a three-lane motorway. The legs 14 are obscured by the undergrowth and vegetation 16. Preferably the decoy 10 is positioned so that any vegetation, shrubs or trees either wholly or partially conceals the decoy until drivers are within a short distance of the decoy, for example a few hundred yards from the decoy.

The image used on the decoy can also comprise either a front elevation 18 of a police vehicle or the rear elevation 20 of a police vehicle, the image chosen being appropriate to the location in which the decoy is to be used.

Also depending upon the circumstances and locations in which the decoy is to be used, the decoy may comprise the appearance of the whole of a police vehicle or any part thereof, not necessarily only the whole of a rear or side elevation.

In order to reinforce the impression that the decoy is a real police vehicle, the decoy can be provided with warning lights and audible warning signals. The warning signals can be provided with a portable power source for example a battery or generator and be provided with control means. The control means can comprise remotely controlled switching arrangements so that either or both of the warning signals can be operated remotely from the decoy.

Alternatively pre-set timing devices can be provided to operate either or both of the warning signals at predetermined times and for predetermined intervals of time.

The images can be produced by any conventional means for example, by painting, photography or any suitable printing process. Also the surface to which the image is applied can be any appropriate material for the image producing process used.

The support structure for the decoy is preferably collapsible for ease of transport and is preferably concealed so that drivers travelling from the 'blind' side of the decoy are not aware that the object is a decoy vehicle or part thereof.

The material upon which the image is formed is preferably collapsible for example so that it can be folded. Alternatively if the material is wooden or of plastics material the material is in the form of a number of separate sheets hinged together and foldable to a smaller size.

Claims (14)

1 A decoy for use adjacent roads comprising the image of at least part of a police vehicle, the decoy having means to position the decoy adjacent a carriageway and to secure the decoy in that position.

2 A decoy as claimed in claim 1 in which the image on the decoy is that of the side elevation of a police vehicle.

3 A decoy as claimed in claim 1 in which the image formed is the front or rear elevation of a police vehicle.

4 A decoy as claimed in claim 1 in which the image formed is that of the whole of a police vehicle.

5 A decoy as claimed in claim 1 in which the decoy includes a support structure and a surface upon which the image is formed.

6 A decoy as claimed in claim 5 in which the support structure has at least two legs terminating in securing and positioning means.

7 A decoy as claimed in claim 7 in which the securing and positioning means comprises a point at one end of each leg.

8 A decoy as claimed in claim 6 in which the securing and positioning means comprises a weight attached to one end of each leg.

9 A decoy as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims in which the image is formed by painting, photography or any appropriate printing technique.

10 A decoy as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims including an operable warning signal.

11 A decoy as claimed in claim 10 in which the operable warning signal comprises a visible warning or an audible warning signal.

12 A decoy as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which the warning signal can be operated remotely from the decoy.

13 A decoy as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which the warning signal or signals have a power source and timing means to operate the warning signals at pre-set times and for pre-set amounts of time.

14 A decoy constructed and arranged for use and operation substantially as herein described.