Mirrors

[KARL]

Those who travel outside Britain will quite often see mirrors strategically sited to permit a view around a corner and such, especially in old towns, etc. where streets/roads are narrow. There is a T-junction near where I live where it is impossible to see right and/or left without driving onto the carriageway of a narrow road where parking further causes traffic in both directions to pass along the lane nearest you. The effect is that every time you try to join the main road you risk a prang (at least one has happened in the recent past) - some other drivers look at you as if you are mad driving in front of them. I am told a mirror for there is not only unavailable from the authorities but actually distinctly un-British and would not be welcomed by the authorities, even if sited on adjacent private property. Does anyone know of anywhere in mainland Britain where a mirror is sited right beside a road in an urban or semi-urban setting (not at a farm entrance) in similar circumstances ?

[weeal]

Ive seen loads of them on blind corners, dont know who puts them there tho, Im in Scotland btw

[jno]

yes, I've seen quite a few around England, though now you mention it, I'm not sure that they were urban - country roads are more usual, perhaps because they are narrower. I don't see why people shouldn't put them up on their own property, as long as they're placed carefully so they don't reflect the sun into drivers' eyes; but maybe some see them as some sort of public nuisance.

[KARL]

It is the authorities (transport and planning) that are saying mirrors are not something they approve of and this relates to convex (i.e. curved) mirrors which are unlikely to give off significant glare. I am particularly interested in specific examples (location) of any in the UK - I too have a feeling I have seen one or two in old areas of towns (plus lots of farm entrance ones and around goods delivery areas well within private yards). My motive is to discover whether this is a local phobia that the authorities in charge in my area are upholding.

[dundurn]

Scottish example, i'm afraid

Comrie, Perthshire, A85 Dunira Street has a 90 degree turn and a mirror mounted on the apex so that HGVs and buses going in either direction can see what's coming. Known locally as "Mirror Corner".

Perth and Kinross Council have a designated right of way defined as �Mirror Corner� � Dunira Street to River Earn
by Old School so it's officially known and acknowledged to be there.