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ROME -- The key conclusion from two surveys carried out on the 'phone and via Internet by German ADAC, in collaboration with ACI and other European Automobile Clubs -- one on road signals' conditions and another on their legibility -- was that most drivers wish to see a reduction in the excessive amount of road signs, and to rationalise, make uniform, and render more legible the Old Continent's signs. 

Ninety-one per cent of those interviewed declared that a greater uniformity of signals across Europe would certainly increase safety. 

In the first survey, 250 drivers from nine Countries - Italy included - were asked several questions on the signal situation in their own Country. 

Many signals are considered as superfluous. 

Italian drivers were particularly critical of the signals' bad positioning, being unclear and hence potentially dangerous. 

The most satisfied drivers were the Dutch, Swiss, Norwegian and the British, who on the whole consider the road signal situation as satisfactory. 

Thirteen thousand drivers replied to the second survey. Most of them complained about contradictory signals, covered ones and - especially in Italy and Spain - often much too close to what they are supposed to indicate. 

Another painful spot, common to the entire EU, were the advertising panels, which are much too close to road signals and are thus often cause of confusion.

Source: AGI, Italy