Highway design experts, a question for you!
Do any other countries outside of the UK rely on DMRB for highway design?
My bête noire claims we have the safest roads in Europe because of the DMRB and that Dutch road standards are basically inferior.
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social do you know?
Do any other countries outside of the UK rely on DMRB for highway design?
My bête noire claims we have the safest roads in Europe because of the DMRB and that Dutch road standards are basically inferior.
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social do you know?
April 27, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Highway design experts, a question for you!
Do any other countries outside of the UK rely on DMRB for highway design?
My bête noire claims we have the safest roads in Europe because of the DMRB and that Dutch road standards are basically inferior.
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social do you know?
Do any other countries outside of the UK rely on DMRB for highway design?
My bête noire claims we have the safest roads in Europe because of the DMRB and that Dutch road standards are basically inferior.
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social do you know?
Holy DMRB Batman!
April 24, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Holy DMRB Batman!
The traffic flows don't warrant it at all. Frustration is what causes the stupid driving & deaths on the A9.
Safe overtaking lanes and fixing the at-grade junctions would have been a good improvement without sucking investment away from everything else.
DMRB gold-plating and pork barrels aplenty.
Safe overtaking lanes and fixing the at-grade junctions would have been a good improvement without sucking investment away from everything else.
DMRB gold-plating and pork barrels aplenty.
September 16, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The traffic flows don't warrant it at all. Frustration is what causes the stupid driving & deaths on the A9.
Safe overtaking lanes and fixing the at-grade junctions would have been a good improvement without sucking investment away from everything else.
DMRB gold-plating and pork barrels aplenty.
Safe overtaking lanes and fixing the at-grade junctions would have been a good improvement without sucking investment away from everything else.
DMRB gold-plating and pork barrels aplenty.
Unfortunately the DfT has zero proactivity having been infiltrated by DMRB dinowonk thinking meaning we're always stuck in 1977 design standards wise.
November 10, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Unfortunately the DfT has zero proactivity having been infiltrated by DMRB dinowonk thinking meaning we're always stuck in 1977 design standards wise.
LTN 1/20 is of course only advice - they can't currently force you to adhere to it. That's the problem we have currently. Dinosaur engineers will default to DMRB because that has more weight in their heads.
April 3, 2025 at 2:10 PM
LTN 1/20 is of course only advice - they can't currently force you to adhere to it. That's the problem we have currently. Dinosaur engineers will default to DMRB because that has more weight in their heads.
Given Ireland no longer uses beacons in 30km/h zones and is now using the European standard blue sign instead I'd be interested to see if we could trial that here.
The DfT will obviously say "no", because "not invented here". DMRB types probably prefer the ghastly US HAWKs instead.
The DfT will obviously say "no", because "not invented here". DMRB types probably prefer the ghastly US HAWKs instead.
March 7, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Given Ireland no longer uses beacons in 30km/h zones and is now using the European standard blue sign instead I'd be interested to see if we could trial that here.
The DfT will obviously say "no", because "not invented here". DMRB types probably prefer the ghastly US HAWKs instead.
The DfT will obviously say "no", because "not invented here". DMRB types probably prefer the ghastly US HAWKs instead.
That'll be the DMRB then, where even a 120km/h designed dual carriageway can be driven at 90+ mph in places thus leading gobshites in overpowered cars to wipe out on the bits where they can't.
The gross gold plating of roads whilst everything else is watered down is astonishing.
The gross gold plating of roads whilst everything else is watered down is astonishing.
March 10, 2026 at 6:37 PM
That'll be the DMRB then, where even a 120km/h designed dual carriageway can be driven at 90+ mph in places thus leading gobshites in overpowered cars to wipe out on the bits where they can't.
The gross gold plating of roads whilst everything else is watered down is astonishing.
The gross gold plating of roads whilst everything else is watered down is astonishing.
#LookAndSee 373
#MusicChallenge
#MusicSky
This is just for fun! No rules. I will post a pic often for your music association… 🎧
#LookAndSee (Day 373) 🎶
“All Sins Forgiven” by Two Cow Garage
m.youtube.com/watch?v=dmRb...
#MusicChallenge
#MusicSky
This is just for fun! No rules. I will post a pic often for your music association… 🎧
#LookAndSee (Day 373) 🎶
“All Sins Forgiven” by Two Cow Garage
m.youtube.com/watch?v=dmRb...
April 13, 2026 at 8:19 PM
#LookAndSee 373
#MusicChallenge
#MusicSky
This is just for fun! No rules. I will post a pic often for your music association… 🎧
#LookAndSee (Day 373) 🎶
“All Sins Forgiven” by Two Cow Garage
m.youtube.com/watch?v=dmRb...
#MusicChallenge
#MusicSky
This is just for fun! No rules. I will post a pic often for your music association… 🎧
#LookAndSee (Day 373) 🎶
“All Sins Forgiven” by Two Cow Garage
m.youtube.com/watch?v=dmRb...
maps.app.goo.gl/hhmPAg6xn721...
In a classic example of highway designers rigidly following DMRB without ever asking why they're doing it, here we see an entrance to a rbt built with two lanes. Lovely. What's the issue?
Well... it's the exit from a farmer's field. 🤦♂️
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social
In a classic example of highway designers rigidly following DMRB without ever asking why they're doing it, here we see an entrance to a rbt built with two lanes. Lovely. What's the issue?
Well... it's the exit from a farmer's field. 🤦♂️
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social
September 11, 2026 at 10:45 AM
maps.app.goo.gl/hhmPAg6xn721...
In a classic example of highway designers rigidly following DMRB without ever asking why they're doing it, here we see an entrance to a rbt built with two lanes. Lovely. What's the issue?
Well... it's the exit from a farmer's field. 🤦♂️
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social
In a classic example of highway designers rigidly following DMRB without ever asking why they're doing it, here we see an entrance to a rbt built with two lanes. Lovely. What's the issue?
Well... it's the exit from a farmer's field. 🤦♂️
@rantyhighwayman.bsky.social
My studio at Artisans Asylum is a mess, but I’ve reached that stage where they continue to multiply… Got an old zeiss universal donated, a friend loaned me one of his many olympus CH30, + my amazing @leicamicrosystems.bsky.social DMRB, + a tiny leitz, and two (crappy) Amscopes. Love my studio time.
December 14, 2024 at 10:32 PM
My studio at Artisans Asylum is a mess, but I’ve reached that stage where they continue to multiply… Got an old zeiss universal donated, a friend loaned me one of his many olympus CH30, + my amazing @leicamicrosystems.bsky.social DMRB, + a tiny leitz, and two (crappy) Amscopes. Love my studio time.
Why they were gifted the Historical Railways Estate is a mystery. Presumably someone thought "bridges, thems highway related" and busked from there.
If it's not in DMRB they don't want it.
If it's not in DMRB they don't want it.
December 6, 2024 at 8:45 AM
Why they were gifted the Historical Railways Estate is a mystery. Presumably someone thought "bridges, thems highway related" and busked from there.
If it's not in DMRB they don't want it.
If it's not in DMRB they don't want it.
Manual for Streets has been around for AGES yet they keep defaulting back to DMRB!
December 16, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Manual for Streets has been around for AGES yet they keep defaulting back to DMRB!
It may be useful to revisit the sterling work of the late Dr Joanna Francis concerning roadside wildflowers ; www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol10/s...
USE OF WOODLAND HERBACEOUS PLUG PLANTS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF FIELD LAYERS IN ESTABLISHING PLANTATIONS. studylib.net/doc/5906886/...
USE OF WOODLAND HERBACEOUS PLUG PLANTS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF FIELD LAYERS IN ESTABLISHING PLANTATIONS. studylib.net/doc/5906886/...
Our native Daffodils also make a spring spectacle on roadsides, spreading happily on slopes. Again, these from a few bulbs 30 years ago.
A case study for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
A case study for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
April 5, 2026 at 7:57 PM
It may be useful to revisit the sterling work of the late Dr Joanna Francis concerning roadside wildflowers ; www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/dmrb/vol10/s...
USE OF WOODLAND HERBACEOUS PLUG PLANTS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF FIELD LAYERS IN ESTABLISHING PLANTATIONS. studylib.net/doc/5906886/...
USE OF WOODLAND HERBACEOUS PLUG PLANTS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF FIELD LAYERS IN ESTABLISHING PLANTATIONS. studylib.net/doc/5906886/...
I'm not aware I'm afraid.
I am starting to describe DMRB as a set of contract documents these days however!
I am starting to describe DMRB as a set of contract documents these days however!
April 27, 2025 at 9:25 AM
I'm not aware I'm afraid.
I am starting to describe DMRB as a set of contract documents these days however!
I am starting to describe DMRB as a set of contract documents these days however!
Nice to see @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social have a go at UK roundabout design and the baleful influence of DMRB on this evenings @activetravelcaf.bsky.social , with my old pal Graham Paul Smith (dunno if he's on here) weighing in.
October 7, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Nice to see @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social have a go at UK roundabout design and the baleful influence of DMRB on this evenings @activetravelcaf.bsky.social , with my old pal Graham Paul Smith (dunno if he's on here) weighing in.
New Lo-Fi vibes just dropped! Chill beats, cozy visuals, perfect for studying or unwinding. Click to vibe & share the calm! #LoFi #ChillBeats #NewRelease #music #lofi #sleep #mentalawareness #insomina #travel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRb...
Velvet Moonlight's Whispers: Lofii Sonnets of Starlit Romance #lofi #music #relaxation
YouTube video by TheOneLofi2
www.youtube.com
August 13, 2025 at 11:15 PM
New Lo-Fi vibes just dropped! Chill beats, cozy visuals, perfect for studying or unwinding. Click to vibe & share the calm! #LoFi #ChillBeats #NewRelease #music #lofi #sleep #mentalawareness #insomina #travel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRb...
O Caravaggio hoje só sobreviveria fazendo arte para videogames
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrB...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrB...
June 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
O Caravaggio hoje só sobreviveria fazendo arte para videogames
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrB...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmrB...
Rural or urban? The DMRB *spits* works on the assumption that dual two lanes can carry ~1,800 vehicles per lane per hour.
This assumes ideal traffic flow, so it's probably more likely to be higher.
This assumes ideal traffic flow, so it's probably more likely to be higher.
February 11, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Rural or urban? The DMRB *spits* works on the assumption that dual two lanes can carry ~1,800 vehicles per lane per hour.
This assumes ideal traffic flow, so it's probably more likely to be higher.
This assumes ideal traffic flow, so it's probably more likely to be higher.
DfT and NH seem resistant to them, guessing because they were not invented here. Same reason Kent CC ended up massacring the Turbo Roundabout, all has to follow rigid and inflexible motor centric DMRB...
September 20, 2026 at 3:50 PM
DfT and NH seem resistant to them, guessing because they were not invented here. Same reason Kent CC ended up massacring the Turbo Roundabout, all has to follow rigid and inflexible motor centric DMRB...
Nah, why would you do that? As any fule no, following rigid 1990s cycle design guidance and DMRB shows you're hip and with it.
A 4m shared path with a verge would've been fine here, the limit has been dropped to 30 but as you can see the geometry is still very much 40+.
A 4m shared path with a verge would've been fine here, the limit has been dropped to 30 but as you can see the geometry is still very much 40+.
July 17, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Nah, why would you do that? As any fule no, following rigid 1990s cycle design guidance and DMRB shows you're hip and with it.
A 4m shared path with a verge would've been fine here, the limit has been dropped to 30 but as you can see the geometry is still very much 40+.
A 4m shared path with a verge would've been fine here, the limit has been dropped to 30 but as you can see the geometry is still very much 40+.
Only because DMRB wonks have no idea that you can install a zebra without spending 30 grand on needless friction surfacing for half a mile either side, giant floodlights etc. The amount of unnecessary gold-plating for a zebra now makes me think it's deliberate to stop their installation.
November 7, 2024 at 3:06 PM
Only because DMRB wonks have no idea that you can install a zebra without spending 30 grand on needless friction surfacing for half a mile either side, giant floodlights etc. The amount of unnecessary gold-plating for a zebra now makes me think it's deliberate to stop their installation.
I still think we need a sectional design manual which is kept up to date like DMRB, rather than new things replacing bits of old things, but great to see this published.
July 14, 2026 at 11:51 AM
I still think we need a sectional design manual which is kept up to date like DMRB, rather than new things replacing bits of old things, but great to see this published.
DMRB wonks obsessed with motornormativity think staggered crossings you can't actually use are safer than single stages either protected or with flashing ambers as seen elsewhere in Europe.
Wonder why that might be.
Wonder why that might be.
April 30, 2025 at 1:48 PM
DMRB wonks obsessed with motornormativity think staggered crossings you can't actually use are safer than single stages either protected or with flashing ambers as seen elsewhere in Europe.
Wonder why that might be.
Wonder why that might be.
I don’t mind long if it covers the ground. DMRB is long. What we don’t need is waffle.
January 14, 2026 at 9:40 AM
I don’t mind long if it covers the ground. DMRB is long. What we don’t need is waffle.
We need a chapter-based DMRB for streets with thought on sections and then they can be updated as and when needed, especially where practice is growing.
All sorts of things; policy; spatial planning; network planning; the various technical bits - crossings, junctions etc
Would replace LTN1/20 too
All sorts of things; policy; spatial planning; network planning; the various technical bits - crossings, junctions etc
Would replace LTN1/20 too
January 14, 2026 at 1:17 PM
We need a chapter-based DMRB for streets with thought on sections and then they can be updated as and when needed, especially where practice is growing.
All sorts of things; policy; spatial planning; network planning; the various technical bits - crossings, junctions etc
Would replace LTN1/20 too
All sorts of things; policy; spatial planning; network planning; the various technical bits - crossings, junctions etc
Would replace LTN1/20 too