This road sign, 'Tow Away Area', was erected by the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA) for the Sydney 2000 Games. It was positioned in or near one of the Games venues to prohibit parking. In attendance, tow trucks removed vehicles that were illegally parked or causing congestion. The sign belonged to a class of regulatory signage, Venue Surrounds, which regulated parking at venues. On its base, the Sydney 2000 logo indicates that this was one of 40,000 signs made for the Games.

Between November 1999 and September 2000, five Australian companies manufactured the directional and regulatory signage for use at the Sydney 2000 Games. Hunter Valley Signs and DeNeefe Signs manufactured 90 per cent of signage, while RMS Signs, Artcraft Signs and Barrier Signs manufactured the remaining10 per cent. All companies employed standard manufacturing processes by applying paint and reflective sheeting to panels of steel or aluminium. Designed by ORTA, the signage accorded with the 'Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices' and 'Road Signs - Specifications' (Australian Standard AS 1742 and Australian Standard AS 1743) that advised on the use of symbols, fonts and other design elements.

Established in 1997, ORTA was responsible for coordinating and operating transit services for the Sydney 2000 Games. This was an immense task that included the management of traffic and main roadways, the expansion and coordination of rail and bus services, and the recruitment and training of drivers and volunteers. Their services proved invaluable during the Games when the number of CityRail passengers increased by 80 per cent per day, and the number of bus passengers by 50 per cent. In addition, they developed a three- category signage system that served transport providers and the general public.

The first category, Olympic Routes, marked roadways between the Olympic Village, sports venues and major areas of accommodation. It contained four levels of signage that served primary and secondary routes, spectator routes and special purpose routes for security personnel. (Primary routes were the direct routes to and between sports venues, while secondary routes were reserved in the event of a major incident or traffic congestion.) It also indicated changed traffic conditions, such as extensions to clearways.

The second category, Venue Surrounds, indicated three types of parking restrictions around the Games venues. Special Event parking, Olympic Client parking (for ORTA vehicles) and Access Restrictions to prevent congestion at Olympic Park. During the Games, parking infringements attracted inflated fines of AUD$343.

The third category, Non-Competition/Other Signage, served public areas both in and around the city. Its five levels indicated park-and- ride sites, pedestrian thoroughfares in the city, transport interchanges, bus routes to and from the airport, and clearways for special events, such as the torch relay and marathons.

All companies employed standard manufacturing processes by applying paint and reflective sheeting to panels of steel or aluminium. Designed by ORTA, the signage accorded with the 'Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices' and 'Road Signs - Specifications' (Australian Standard AS 1742 and Australian Standard AS 1743) that advised on the use of symbols, fonts and other design elements.

Between November 1999 and September 2000, five Australian companies manufactured the directional and regulatory signage for use at the Sydney 2000 Games. Hunter Valley Signs and DeNeefe Signs manufactured 90 per cent of signage, while RMS Signs, Artcraft Signs and Barrier Signs manufactured the remaining10 per cent. All companies employed standard manufacturing processes by applying paint and reflective sheeting to panels of steel or aluminium.

This road sign, 'Tow Away Area', was erected by the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA) for the Sydney 2000 Games. It was positioned in or near one of the Games venues to prohibit parking. In attendance, tow trucks removed vehicles that were illegally parked or causing congestion.

Made for and owned by the Olympic Road and Transport Organisation and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Road Sign, 'Tow Away Area', painted aluminium/reflective sheeting Olympic Road Transport Authority, Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, made c.2000

Road sign, aluminium. Upper 1/3 of sign white with black text 'Tow Away Area'. Lower 2/3 blue with white text 'Sydney 2000' logo. 2 horizontal brackets on back.

Made: 1995 - 2005

2001/84/445

1995 - 2005

300 mm

600 mm