Calgary parking officials are working on their sign language, so to speak.

Initial concepts are being drafted to replace the clutter of signs on some downtown streets with one easy-to-read design.

With the introduction of snow-route-notification signs late last year, some streets now carry five signs on a single lamppost, explained parking authority manager Troy McLeod.

Couple that with construction zone notifications, as well as signs directing traffic to city attractions, and McLeod admits many motorists are left scratching their heads.

“This would make it simpler … especially for people who maybe aren’t used to Calgary signage,” he said. “Certainly, there is some complexity with the signage.”

Formal concepts are still being drafted, but a sneak peek of the rough design provided to Metro shows a single, stacked sign featuring available parking times forevery day of the week, as well as symbols denoting a snow route and other restrictions in the area.

Calgary father Myles Orosz welcomed the potential changes, lamenting the fact he drove around for 15 minutes in the near-deserted downtown core, trying to figure out where to park before skating with the family at Olympic Plaza.

“If I came down, maybe it would be OK,” he said. “It’s hard to figure out when you have to pay and how much…. There are loading zones, too, and it’s all kind of mixed together. It’s kind of crazy.”