Planners Told "Too Many Road Signs"

Up to 70% of the signs on rural roads are unnecessary and could be removed, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).The CPRE wants the Government to issue guidance on how to fix signs and design roads to prevent overuse of signage to enhance the appearance the landscape.

At an Institute for Highway Incorporated Engineers conference in Loughborough today, CPRE planning campaigner Paul Miner will also urge highway authorities to carry out "clutter audits'' of secondary A, B and lesser roads.

An audit of the A32 in rural Hampshire found 70% of the signs could be removed, according to the CPRE.

Mr Miner said: "The Government wants local authorities to be 'place shapers. The best place everyone can start is by looking at the appearance of our roads. Most of our rural roads are a mess of unnecessary and standardised signage that looks bland and encourages irresponsible motoring. By getting rid of this clutter, local councils, highway engineers and communities can make our countryside a safer and more attractive place to be.''

Sheila Rainger, Head of Campaigns at the RAC Foundation, said:
‘Road signs are designed to warn, instruct and advise, but if overused they simply confuse. Highways Authorities have the best of intentions, hoping that additional signs will enhance road safety, but a surfeit of signs can lead to disaster. Their physical presence on the roadside threatens bikers and cyclists, while the mental load required to process excess information compromises drivers’ concentration. Over 150 local authorities in Germany have purged their verges of excess signs and we urge UK councils to follow suit.’