Tourism signing

Hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast facilities

All establishments must be members of Quality Assurance schemes which require independent inspection of members premises. The largest of these are the VisitBritain National Quality Assessment Scheme and the AA.

In urban areas it will be impossible to sign all establishments, although a generic or zone signing scheme may be adopted for large concentrations of accommodation.

In rural areas accommodation can be signed below existing boundary signs (point of entry signs) to villages or small towns. Where this is not practical, only accommodation that is not visible to passing trade will be signed. Large hotels in rural areas which may generate a significant amount of traffic will be signed from the nearest main road.

Self catering accommodation, camping and caravanning sites

Facilities which require booking will not be eligible for signing.

Caravan and camping sites must be licensed under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and/or the Public Health Act 1936 and have at least 20 pitches for caravans/tents (combined if necessary) for casual overnight use. Some static sites may qualify (where they are available without pre-booking) but the use of the caravan symbol will not be allowed as this could be confusing to touring caravans requiring an overnight pitch.

Public houses, restaurants, cafes

These can be signed if:

• food is served both at lunch time and during the evening
• facilities are provided inside to allow children to accompany parents
• adequate parking is provided
• no traffic management problems will be created
• signing is required due to locational problems
• advertising should take place to the tourist industry and not just in the local press

In urban areas it will be impossible to sign all establishments except where generic signing is used.

In rural areas signing will be restricted to point of entry signs or where the venue is located away from main through routes.

Licensed premises will not be signed in view of the various council road safety policies on drinking and driving.

Shops and craft centres

These can be signed if:

• the mix of facilities provides a genuine leisure experience, such as entertainment, rides, demonstrations, exclusive environment
• there is evidence of promotion within the tourist market
• the retail facility is sufficiently unique or exceptional in regional or national terms
• the majority of customers travel from outside the area

Sport and leisure

Football clubs, rugby clubs, cricket clubs, fisheries, golf driving ranges, and leisure centres can all be signed.

Tennis clubs, squash clubs, badminton clubs, golf clubs can be signed but only where non-members can play without prior booking.