B6.2.3 Wayfinding and signage

Major new employment developments must ensure that a clear strategy for wayfinding and signage is established early in the design process (at the outline application stage, if applicable) to ensure a positive approach that supports clear navigation, reinforces a distinct site identity (including blocks across the development), and avoids a disjointed outcome where delivery is phased.

Applicants must demonstrate their outline strategy for wayfinding and signage within the Design and Access Statement (DAS) and/or masterplan/design code, setting out the high-level wayfinding design principles and indicative locations or zones where signage is likely to be provided.

Road signs used to warn or give information to drivers in private workplaces must be the same as those used on public roads, wherever a suitable sign exists. These are set out in the Highway Code, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and the Traffic signs manual, all published by the Department for Transport.

Signs used in external employment areas should:

• be placed so that people have time to see and understand them and then take action before they reach the hazard

• be placed where they can be seen, depending on who is required to use them. For pedestrians and car drivers their positioning may be similar, but for large goods vehicles they will need to be much higher

• be clear and easy to understand

• stand out enough to be noticed

• be reflective or phosphorescent if they have to be visible in darkness and, where possible, adequately illuminated