Bristol sign points way to Timbuktu - 2,384 miles away
It's a long way to Timbuktu from Bristol - 2,384 miles to be exact, according to a new road sign that has appeared in Hotwells.
The sign appeared mysteriously, with the stencils of the letters and numbers left underneath the sign on Hotwell Road near the Merchant’s Arms.
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Bristol sign points way to Timbuktu - 2,384 miles away
The lettering is the same as on official signs.
There is a Timbuktu in Mali, west Africa, 2,384 miles from Bristol as the crow flies, so if you’re looking for directions then the sign in Hotwells is actually correct.
A nearer Timbuktu is a nightclub in Small Street, known as Timbuk2.
Many people have walked or driven past the new sign without realising it is even there.
Hannah Rivers, 30, who lives a few hundred yards from the sign in Pooles Wharf Court, only noticed it yesterday.
She said: “I like it, it’s a bit of fun. Whoever did it put a lot of care and attention into it and should be commended for putting a smile on people’s faces."
Bristol City Council spokeswoman Kate Hartas said that although the sign was amusing, it will have to be taken down so drivers are not distracted.
7 Comments
by pete seaton, Weston-super-Mare
Friday, November 13 2009, 1:26AM
“How about Weston-super-Mare 21 miles lol”
by Troy, Shenzhen, China
Thursday, November 12 2009, 10:39PM
“One thinks there should be another sign to go with it.... "Shenzhen 6198 miles"”
by hannah, bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 7:18PM
“Kate Hartas said that although the sign was amusing, it will have to be taken down so drivers are not distracted.
ok, but its ok to put up massive billboards boasting scantilly clad women, thats not distracting to men then?”
by Emma, Bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 4:52PM
“Not toooo condescending of the Council to think us drivers can't cope with that sort of "distraction" without causing a mass pileup whilst all gawping bug eyed at the arrow to Timbuktu! She couldn't have been more patronising if she'd folded her arms at the end of the conversation and finished with "aw bless them!"”
by Mike B, Bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 4:17PM
“Quote . . . Bristol City Council said "although the sign was amusing, it will have to be taken down so drivers are not distracted" :-(
As if a tiny little sign like that would distract drivers, when compared with all the other road signage clutter and huge advertising hoardings, and dare I say it masses of twinkling traffic-lights. :D
Maybe the Christmas Lights should come down too . . .so they don't distract drivers.
Oh, what total nonsense Brsitol City Council spokesperson :-(”
by Phil, Bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 12:33PM
“If Banksy admitted it was one of his would they remove it?
Downham Market in Norfolk is twinned with Civray in France and they proudly show a milepost to Civray - about 645 miles I think.”
by hannah, bristol
Thursday, November 12 2009, 9:59AM
“whats with the miniscule text?”