7 Fascinating Traffic Cone Facts
The humble traffic cone has been around in one guise or another for over 100 years and plays a large role in road safety. But, if you think traffic cones are boring and outdated, you’re wrong! Just take a look at these seven fascinating facts…
1. Cone takeover
Although it’s impossible know precisely how many traffic cones are currently in use, it is thought that there are roughly 1.3 million traffic cones in the UK and roughly 140 million worldwide. That’s a lot of cones!
2. Guinness World Record cones
David Morgan, who lives in the Cotswolds, is the proud owner of the world’s largest collection of traffic cones. He owns 137 types and has amassed a collection of over 500 cones. Where does he keep them all?
3. Cone amnesties
Police forces and council chiefs in the UK hold intermittent cone amnesties, designed to give cone “borrowers” the opportunity to return chunks of pointy plastic to their rightful owners. If you’ve got a large cone-shaped reminder of your university days lurking somewhere in your home, you’re not alone. Hand it over!
4. John Major’s cone hotline
In the 1990’s, former PM John Major set up a much-ridiculed and fully-staffed cone hotline designed to give irritated citizens the opportunity to report errant traffic cones littering their local roads. Sounds incredible, but it really happened!
5. Seattle loves traffic cones
Seattle is home to an 18ft high traffic cone monument. Yes, really.
6. Traffic cone art
Despite what you may think, traffic cones and fine art are not mutually exclusive. Not convinced? Just take a look at the incredibly detailed illustration work by Greek artist Yiannis Nomiko – you’ll never think of traffic cones as boring again.
7. We’re talking to you
In 2013, the Highways Agency unveiled plans to use “screaming” traffic cones on motorways across England to protect road crews and alert them of potential dangers. The so-called “intelligent” traffic cones use wireless defence technology and have been designed to identify vehicle accidents as they are happening and warn workers if vehicles cross a safety barrier.
Are you looking for traffic cones?
Manchester Safety Services Ltd is a family owned and run business based in Manchester. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with quality products, great value and excellent service. If you’re looking for traffic cones, we can help. Our entire traffic cone range is now online and ready for delivery anywhere in the UK!
