Transport minister Norman Baker has announced the biggest review into Britain’s traffic signing system for 40 years. The new measures are aimed at dramatically reducing the number of signs on the roadside and the bureaucracy involved in erecting them.
The government will issue guidelines to councils encouraging them to remove superfluous signs and certain laws have been relaxed that encouraged the epidemic. For example, it is no longer necessary for a pedestrian zone to be marked on both sides of the road.
Councils will not have to seek government approval when erecting some of the more common signs, such as car club parking spaces. It is estimated that this will lead to a 40 per cent decrease in signs requiring the department of transport’s authorisation.
A few new signs are to be introduced, including one for parking spaces with charging points. Another will warn HGV drivers that the road ahead is unsuitable for their vehicle. This has become necessary due to an increasing number of lorries becoming stuck and blocking lanes and villages, often because the driver is directed down unsuitable roads by their sat-nav systems.
Norman Baker, said: “Sometimes the jungles of signs and tangles of white, red and yellow lines can leave people more confused than informed. This expensive clutter can also leave our roadsides looking unsightly and unwelcoming, so the changes I am announcing today will help councils cut the number of signs they need to use.”
“These changes will ultimately save councils money and lead to more attractive streets which improve the quality of life for local people.”
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