Sirmione Unveils New International Road Signs to Improve Traffic Safety
Following the meeting promoted by the Rotary Clubs of Desenzano on road signage – with a clear proposal to lighten and make signals more visible instead of eliminating them, as is currently the case – Sirmione also introduces its model of traffic signage.
The new portal and signage
“We started with the portal,” explains Municipal Police Carlo Caromani, “which is the sign located at the entrance of the town indicating to visitors the start of the Sirmione territory.”
“The new sign is positioned at least ten meters above ground to be clearly visible without in any way obstructing traffic. Additionally, next to the main inscription indicating Sirmione, there are the Municipality’s logo and the progressive kilometer distances.”
The portal has been placed on the connector that links the bypass with the SS 11 national road, providing a pleasant and functional indication for those wishing to penetrate the heart of the Catullus Peninsula. Gradually, a general reorganization of the road signage present in Sirmione has begun, where hotels, bars, and restaurants are numerous.
Towards effective new signage
In the future, tourists will have access to traffic signage whose directions can be perceived promptly, read correctly, in an unequivocal manner, and most importantly in time, because the efficiency and safety of traffic also depend on the quality of the information conveyed to road users.
Today, quantity prevails, but the result is unsatisfactory. Too much information often equals no information. A directive from the Ministry of Public Works — now part of Infrastructures — highlights how Istat data on road accidents indicate that the most common causes of tragedies are distraction and indecision.
Many accidents therefore depend on the absence of signage, its inadequacy, delayed perception, irregular placement, and material wear. Observing Sirmione’s tourists — whose physical features range from the classic blonde hair and blue eyes of Germans to the almond eyes and black hair of Japanese, from the curly beards of Israelis to the dark complexion of Arabs — it’s easy to understand how signs written in Italian or any other language would not meet the needs of truly international tourism.
The future of international signage
In the future, preference will be given, where possible, to ideograms or stylized drawings and conventional symbols that facilitate understanding for everyone. These criteria for the new road signage are based on uniformity, simplicity, and aesthetic improvement, leaving no space for illegitimate signage, for which the Sirmione Municipal Police impose heavy sanctions, which in case of repeat offenses could even lead to the closure of the business using unauthorized signage.
