Signs Suggest California Takes Speed Enforcement to New Heights

An artist living in California, USA, is said to be responsible for a new wave of road signs that have appeared in Marin County.

The signs depict an armed (actually firing) military drone above the text, “SPEED ENFORCED BY DRONES.” A number of anxious motorists took to Twitter to vent their concern over the signs.

Although the thought of authorities using armed drones to enforce speed restrictions is one that ought to seem alien to people living in the UK, Americans may have good reason to fear state rule from above. Last week, an army veteran living in Colorado suggested that residents should be allowed to shoot down drones for cash. Plus, this being America, just about anything is possible.

But California is not yet willing to shoot at drivers who exceed the speed limit. At least not from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Patrol officer Andrew Barclay explained: “We use radar, pace. We have planes and we have helicopters. But we do not have drones. We definitely do not have any drones that would fire any type of weaponry.”

Barclay did admit, however, that the signs look genuine.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we produce all types of signage for all kinds of customer. We most certainly do not use drones.

Three-in-One Sign Cutting Machine Showcased at FESPA 2013

A leading print manufacturer stole the limelight at FESPA 2013 when it showcased its revolutionary three-in-one cutting machine, the Versa-Tech Series.

Blackman & White caught the eye of industry professionals with its new machine, which belongs to the firm’s MasterCut range. Print and signage experts attending the exhibition were able to see the Versa-Tech in action. And not one was left disappointed.

The new machine offers three types of cutting: routing, knife and laser. FESPA 2013 attendees were particularly impressed by the laser option, which provides exceptional speed and accuracy. Versa-Tech also includes special options for graphic designers who work with large-format prints.

Blackman & White’s managing director, Alex White, explained: “Cutting by laser is at least five times faster than cutting by hand and on large nested files, it can be up to 20 times faster. We’re receiving feedback that this means our machines pay for themselves within as little as a year.”

White added that the machine should be compatible with future technologies, keeping it at the forefront of the market for a number of years.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company., we welcome the arrival of the Versa-Tech Series. Any technology that improves the speed and efficiency of operations should be embraced by signwriters

Road Signs Stolen as ‘Trophies’

Signs can be stolen or vandalised for all kinds of reasons. Some thieves sell whatever scrap metal they can lay their hands on, making road signs an easy target. Others remove signs to make a political point or to cause mayhem. Many are probably just bored. But how many view signs as potential trophies?

In the idyllic hamlet of Tiddleywink, that is precisely what locals believe thieves were thinking when they made off with a pair of signs that read: “TIDDLEYWINK. Please drive carefully.”

Tiddleywink is located just outside Yatton Keynell village, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. The hamlet consists of just eight country cottages and its inhabitants have been left bemused by the removal of the two signs.

Alastair Parker, chair of Yatton Keynell Parish Council, said: “People will nick anything these days. I’ve sometimes seen people being photographed by the signs. I can only think they took [them] for a nonsense trophy.”

Councillor Parker added that the signs would be replaced as soon as possible. The theft was not reported to Wiltshire Police.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we can understand why thieves would target the Tiddleywink signs. Perhaps Yatton Keynell Parish Council should invest in signage that is more difficult to remove.

Streamline sign ink introduced

One of the leading manufacturers of pigments and inks for the printing industry has launched a new range of high-quality inks.

Sun Chemical showcased its Streamline Optima HPQ series at FESPA 2013. Held at the London ExCel Centre, the three-day event attracted around 23,000 people, the majority of whom were involved in some way or another in the print or signage industries.

Established in 1945 and still based in New Jersey, USA, Sun Chemical encountered a receptive audience in London when it launched its new range of inks last month.

Streamline Optima HPQ is said to provide a superior quality of print for signwriters. Compatible with wide-format printers, such as the HP9000/1000, the Streamline Optima HPQ range matches the colour profiles of its predecessors, to ensure a consistent application. But the range benefits from improved overall quality, reduced overspray and a wider gamut of colours.

Adrian Clarke, director at PG Events, tested the new range of inks for Sun Chemical. He said: “We’ve been using the ink since March as part of the Optima HPQ beta trial and we’re very happy with the results.”

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we welcome the introduction of the Streamline Optima HPQ range. Improvements to print technologies and inks continue to benefit signwriters.

Sign misspelling causes embarrassment in Florida

Officials in Florida, USA, have promised to remove a road sign outside Jacksonville, after passers-by complained about a spelling mistake.

Unfortunately, spelling errors can be made by signwriters on occasions. But some mistakes should never be made. And certainly never repeated.

Florida Department of Transportation had to explain itself after motorists and residents noticed that a sign installed at the exit to University of North Florida and Florida State College, included the words “Univ Of North Flordia” and “Flordia State College.”

Misspelling the word ‘Florida’ twice on the same sign is a mistake that most signwriters would never make. That the sign was situated near two colleges makes the mistake all the more humiliating. But Florida Department of Transportation may have made the situation worse by explaining that the sign had been installed by an out-of-state contractor. When local jobs are scarce, officials are expected to keep ordinary public services inside state boundaries.

Florida Department of Transportation has promised to replace the sign as a matter of urgency.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we make sure that signage copy is proof-read before going to print. The simple truth is that spelling errors can cost businesses money. Very few customers are impressed by misspelt signage.

Sign Printing Industry Forms New Alliance

A number of trade associations operating in the print industry have agreed to work together after announcing the formation of the Graphics, Print and Media Alliance (GPMA).

GPMA was formed by the British Association for Print & Communication (BAPC), British Coatings Federation (BCF), British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), FESPA UK, Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Picon, Process & Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) and Rubicon Network.

Chairman Peter Morris said that GPMA has a clear raison d”tre: to “pull the graphics, print and media interests together to speak with a single authoritative voice.”

Morris hinted that the newly formed alliance has yet to formulate a strategy on how to proceed as a cohesive unit, but he believes that the input of eight powerful trade associations can only be of benefit to companies working in the print, media and signage industries.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we welcome the formation of the GPMA. The print and signage industries in the UK should be given every opportunity to prosper amid ongoing economic problems. One assertive, well-respected group can often make a difference where many fail, so we are hopeful that the GPMA will be able to improve conditions for signwriters across the country.

Commercial Banner on Pier Causes Outcry

Residents in Huntington Beach, California, have condemned local authorities, after advertising banners were hung from the city’s historic pier.

Built in 1903 and stretching over 500 metres into the Pacific Ocean, Huntington Beach Pier is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. The structure pre-dates Huntington Beach itself (the city, not the actual beach) and is a treasured landmark among locals.

The draping of banners for Volkswagen, Lexus and other such companies over the side of the pier, has caused outrage among residents.

Describing the signage as ‘tacky,’ Merle Moshiri, who lives in the city, expressed her concern that administrators are “franchising away the city icon.”

In a letter addressed to Fred Wilson, manager of the city, Moshiri wrote: “If they’re [the banners] not [taken] down, I’m collecting all my old pantihose and you’re going to see those toggled to the fence flapping in the wind, just to add to the ambience down there.”

Laurie Frymire, spokesperson for Huntington Beach, told reporters that local businesses wanted “some exposure” and city authorities were “able to offer them some visibility.”

Here at Sussex The Sussex Sign Company, we believe the location of signage is extremely important. Hanging banners from national landmarks may not be good for business.

‘Indestructible’ outdoor signage developed by MeFace

One of the problems faced by manufacturers of outdoor signage is how to make products sufficiently durable for customers who require permanent or long-term solutions. Existing materials can survive in harsh conditions for many years, but few products can cope with damage caused by vandalism, fire or flooding. Until now.

MeFace has devised a new method of printing that is reportedly capable of producing ‘indestructible’ signs.

The process is called anodised aluminium printing, which supports the transfer of high-definition text and images onto a hard-wearing surface.

Victoria Titova, creative director at MeFace, explained: “Anodised aluminium has a protective aluminium oxide layer added using electrolysis. This process forms a hard anodised layer of aluminium, which offers superior heat, chemical and abrasion resistance.”

Ms Titova continued: “The anodised layer will accept pigments, integrating the graphics into the surface, creating a superior nameplate or sign.”

According to MeFace, the process should enable signwriters to create products that are not only resistant to the elements, but which cannot be destroyed or disfigured by fire damage or vandalism.

Here at The Sussex Sign Company., we welcome the development of anodised aluminium printing. Cost is a limiting factor in the production of outdoor signage, but ‘indestructible’ signs would certainly appeal to many of our commercial customers.

Copied Signage leads to Fish and Chips Feud

Whose Fish and Chips Are the Best?

A rivalry between two fish and chip shops in Oban, Scotland, threatens to escalate, after one accused the other of copying its shop signage.

The conflict arose after Nories fish and chip shop erected the sign: “Rick: ‘Best Fish & Chips I’ve ever had.'”

A similar sign had already been displayed outside neighbouring Oban Fish and Chip Shop for quite some time. Owner, Lilian MacDonald, is furious with Nories, which she accused of misleading customers.

The sign outside Oban Fish and Chip Shop reads, “‘The best fish & chips I’ve ever tasted’ Rick Stein.”

Celebrity chef, Rick Stein, had visited Oban to film Food Heroes, which was broadcast by the BBC. During his visit, Mr Stein dined at Oban Fish and Chip Shop, before telling Ms MacDonald that her fish and chips were indeed the best he had ever tasted.

Describing Nories’ alleged attempt to steal some of her business’ limelight, Ms MacDonald added: “I feel that they are trying to undermine me in my business.”

Here at The Sussex Sign Company, we cannot comment on the quality of fish and chips sold by either shop, but having read about this dispute in the national press, we would like to draw attention to the power and reach of outdoor signage.

Fish and Chips Seller Rebukes Council over Freestanding Sign

The owner of a fish and chips restaurant in Burnham-On-Sea has criticised his local council after he was issued a fine for placing a freestanding sign outside his cafe.

Keith Holman, proprietor of Brit Chips, claimed that Sedgemoor District Council has turned a blind eye to other businesses in the area which use mobile advertisements.

Mr Holman said: “There are hundreds of similar signs throughout Burnham and the district and the council is not taking any action, so it feels unfair.

“My sign was not putting anyone in danger. If it is right for the council to take action against me, why not against all other businesses?”

Having submitted a guilty plea to Taunton Deane Magistrates, Mr Holman was ordered to pay 240 ((135 fine, 30 victim surcharge and 75 in costs).

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council, insisted that enforcement is “only used as a last resort” and that its policy of maintaining a “fair, even-handed and common-sense approach to advertising legislation” can be evidenced by how it treats businesses in the area.

Here at Sussex Signs, we sympathise with Mr Holman. Freestanding signage can boost trade for high-street businesses, but signs must comply with legislation, such as the Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.