At the corner of Johnson Road and Russell Avenue there is a regular crosswalk sign that has been in place for many years. Two years ago, White Rock installed traffic lights along with pedestrian "Walk - Don't Walk" electric signs; but has not taken down the old crosswalk signs. It's confusing to some of the seniors as they are used to being able to walk across the street with the old crosswalk signals; even though there are electric signs which indicate Don't Walk. Is it legal for White Rock to have two different walk/don't walk signs that can cause confusion?
The bible for this is the publication Manual of Standard Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings from the Engineering Branch of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. It has this to say about signs in general:
Traffic signs are required in order to provide for the safe and orderly movement of motorized and non-motorized traffic and pedestrians. Signs provide information about highway routes, directions, destinations and points of interest. They also provide information on regulations which apply to specific locations or at specific times, and warn of hazards which may not be evident.
To be effective a sign should:
• Fulfill a need.
• Command attention and respect.
• Convey a clear and simple message.
• Allow adequate time for a proper response.
To meet these objectives, signs must have a carefully considered message, be of uniform design, and be applied and placed in a consistent manner. Contradictory or misleading information, incorrect placement or use of inappropriate standard signs can confuse the road user. It is also most important to recognize that improper or excessive use of signs leads to disrespect and non-compliance of the sign.
I am guessing that the signs you speak of are the black on white signs of a pedestrian crossing posted at the intersections. They are not there for pedestrians, but to warn drivers. This is what the manual has to say about them:
Pedestrian crosswalks shall be installed only where warranted, in consultation with local authorities.
Crosswalks must not be marked and signed unless the appropriate crosswalk warrants are filled.
A marked crosswalk shall always be indicated both by pavement markings, and signs or traffic signals. At raised right channelizations, SP-5 signs are not required.
Where SP-5 signs are required, both left and right versions of the sign must be used, and placed in such a way that the symbols on the sign face the centre of the roadway. Drivers approaching a crosswalk should be able to see at least two of these signs.
Depending on volume of traffic and the roadway cross-section, SP-5 signs may be mounted on the shoulder, on the median,
overhead, or a combination of these locations.
Please refer to the Ministry’s Pedestrian Crossing Control Manual for British Columbia for typical sign installations.
It would appear that if signals are in place, the signs may not be necessary.
Back to the pedestrians for a moment, and that is to observe that those crossing on Johnson Road follow the traffic signals the same way that the drivers facing them do, and pedestrians on Russell Avenue follow the pedestrian signals.
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Signs and Signals