If we do go with bilingual signs, I really hope we get a better design than what we currently have.
The Expressway signs of are a classic example, is Te Ara Puke the name of this expressway, or the name for an expressway? The sign doesn’t provide that information.
To my knowledge, two, which is enough. But anyway, how many people never leave Wellington? And I don’t think it matters if people mistake it for a road name.
I considered this, and I don’t think it would make a substantial difference. If you didn’t have Te Ara Puaki on the sign, then the 111 operator will have to deal with someone who doesn’t know the name at all. And as soon as they say where they are, if they remember this name it will probably make it easier for the operator to find them.
Remember, when someone calls and says they are on Queen St or Church St, that’s way less information than Te Ara Puaki Expressway. As soon as they are more specific with the area, then your argument about how few expressways there are now works in their favour. As far as I can tell, there are just 6 in the whole country.
I’d guess it’s probably based on international signs that were part of the research into the safety of bilingual signs. I don’t really have a problem with the design. It’s just words conveying information. Maybe they could be better but I don’t have a better design to prove it.
Yes we do, the Irish road signs, which italicise Irish, are an example of this idea done far better.
Haha yes, I also saw those responses after writing this. Italics for one does seem like a good idea to differentiate them.