Pre-Worboys One Way Street Signs

[David H]

In 1964 the white on blue arrow was put up at the entrance of one way streets, but I can't see the equivalent in the old government manuals and haven't seen any photos of any so have no idea what they looked like, unless they didn't use them at all and just had no entries at the other end which wouldn't be likely. Does anyone remember what was there before?

[Canary42]

From what I can recall, I think it was just black script on white background (square or rectangular in shape) saying "one way street", possibly with an arrow pointing the one way.

[Canary42]

I've located a surprising source - model railway items at

http://www.sankeyscenics.co.uk/#/oo-gauge-4mm-page-4/4551913714

Select the item "Old Road Signs 1940s-1960s"

Towards the bottom left hand corner 4 such signs – you will (I did) possibly need magnifying glass to see clearly. Confirms my earlier memory - I used to walk to school along such a road).

[David H]

I have seen a three line 'one way traffic' once with an arrow next to it for the start of a road, but was told it was not standard. The ones on the railway set are for junctions along the road and tell joining traffic which way to go, and were replaced by 'Turn right/left one way only'.

I did find a two line plain panel saying one way street with no arrow at the start of one once, but that was a private road so can never tell if they made their own or used the usual one. But there were thousands so someone must know for certain!

[Canary42]

You're quite rignt about the joining roads, but I'm sure the sign at the top of my childhood days' road had a similar sign (but maybe without the arrow, I can't say for sure - it was over fifty years ago after all). The sign was on the wall on each side of the road, at the entry end - I think I've got a book somewhere with a picture of it, but it will take some finding.

[ABerrant]

You may be interested in this 1961 British Pathé newsreel documenting the introduction of a one-way system in the West End of London.

Along with shots of "No Entry", "Turn Left ← One Way Only" & "Keep Left One Way Only" signs there is also unveiled a "One Way Traffic" directional sign viewable at the 4:05 mark.

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/one-way-traffic-system-begins-in-london

[Canary42]

Thanks ABerrant, that's a very interesting link. Although the One-Way sign shown did not exist in the example from my childhood days (it was only a small town street in Norfolk, with only one joining road in its 160 yard length) I do remember having seen such signs elsewhere.

[David H]

I think the one way traffic with an arrow could be the one, unless it's like a repeater sign rather than an initial one at the start of the road. If anyone remember a similar one without the arrow just saying one way street then we will be pretty much there. Does this ring a bell for anyone, although as it's on a private road they could have made it unofficially https://www.flickr.com/photos/satguru/9145545616

[David H]

I've finally found a picture of one on an old jigsaw, black arrow, red circle on top, one way traffic underneath. I've never seen a complete one anywhere though.

https://flic.kr/p/q1XxPA

[David H]

Here's a real one, not on a road but at least it's official now.

https://flic.kr/p/aDVHxt