Safety Signs News

'Euro signage' frustrates Wirral residents

1st December 2010 | Health and Safety Signs

Posted by Nicole Stevens.

Wayfinder signage is frustrating residents in a Wirral town – as it displays distances in kilometres instead of miles.

According to the Wirral Globe, the signage, attached to a 6ft-high plinth at New Brighton's promenade, points people in the direction of well-known landmarks, like Seacombe Ferry.

However, the stainless steel signs show distances in kilometres, not miles, annoying some residents.

Tony Pritchard, a New Brighton councillor, explained to the newspaper that he was told by Wirral Council that as the plinth was part-funded by the European Union it could be viewed as a European "directive".

Additionally, the promenade is used by runners and joggers, who usually use kilometres as measurement in events.

"I feel the distances should be in miles as well as kilometres because this is the accepted UK measurement.

"Many people have worked all their lives with Imperial distances and will have no idea of distances shown in kilometres," Mr Pritchard told the newspaper.

The councillor added he would enquire about mileages being added to the plinth.

A popular spot, New Brighton's promenade offers stunning views of the River Mersey. ADNFCR-2754-ID-800265547-ADNFCR