Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

ANNEX III Signing for tunnels

1. General requirements

The following are road signs and symbols to be used for tunnels. Road signs mentioned in this section are described in the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals of 1968, unless otherwise specified.

In order to facilitate international understanding of signs, the system of signs and signals prescribed in this Annex is based on the use of shapes and colours characteristic of each class of sign and, wherever possible, on the use of graphic symbols rather than words. Where Member States consider it necessary to modify the signs and symbols prescribed, the modifications made shall not alter their essential characteristics. Where Member States do not apply the Vienna Convention, the prescribed signs and symbols may be modified, provided that the modifications made shall not alter their essential intent.

1.1. Road signs shall be used to designate the following safety facilities in tunnels:

Lay-bys;

Emergency exits: the same sign shall be used for all kinds of emergency exits;

Escape routes: the two nearest emergency exits shall be signed on the sidewalls at distances of no more than 25 m, at a height of 1,0 to 1,5 m above escape route level, with an indication of the distances to the exits;

Emergency stations: signs to indicate the presence of emergency phones and fire extinguishers.

1.2. Radio:

In tunnels where users can receive information via their radio, appropriate signs placed before the entrance shall inform users on how to receive this information.

1.3. Signs and markings shall be designed and positioned so that they are clearly visible.

2. Description of signs and panels

Member States shall use appropriate signs, if necessary, in the advance warning area of the tunnel, inside the runnel and after the end of the tunnel. When designing the signs for a tunnel, local traffic and construction conditions as well as other local conditions shall be considered. Signs according to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals shall be used, except in Member States which do not apply the Vienna Convention.

2.1. Tunnel sign

The following sign shall be put at each entrance of the tunnel: Sign El 1A for Road Tunnels of the Vienna Convention; The length shall be included either in the lower part of the panel or on a additional panel H2. For tunnels over 3 000 m, the remaining length of the tunnel shall be indicated every 1 000 m. The name of the tunnel may also be indicated.

2.2. Horizontal signing

Horizontal delineation should be used at the roadside edge.

In the case of bi-directional runnels, clearly visible means should be used along the median line (single or twin) separating the two directions.

2.3. Signs and panels for signing of facilities

Emergency stations

Emergency stations shall bear informative signs, which shall be F signs according to the Vienna Convention and indicate the equipment available to road users, such as:

In emergency stations which are separated from the tunnel by a door, a clearly legible text, written in appropriate languages, shall indicate that the emergency station does not ensure protection in case of fire. An example is given below:

“THIS AREA DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM FIRE

Follow signs to emergency exits”

Lay-bys

The signs to indicate lay-bys should be E signs according to the Vienna Convention. Telephones and fire extinguishers shall be indicated by an additional panel or incorporated in the sign itself.

Emergency exits

The signs to indicate "Emergency exits" should be G signs according to the Vienna Convention. Examples are shown below:

It is also necessary to sign the two nearest exits on the sidewalls. Examples are shown below.

Lane signals

These signs can be circular or rectangular

Variable message signing

Any variable message signs shall have clear indications to inform tunnel users of congestion, breakdown, accident, fire or any other hazards.