RAC comments on plans to de-clutter roads of unnecessary signs

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Signage is at its most effective when it’s well designed and used in just the right location – and that location is rarely one that is surrounded by a plethora of other signs. A move to de-clutter our roadsides therefore makes a lot of practical, as well as economic sense, and will be welcomed by the 63% of motorists we spoke to that said our roads are too full of unnecessary signage.

“While responsibility for local signage should rest with councils, we do not believe the option of axing small speed limit repeater signs makes much sense. All road users benefit from regular reminders of the speed limit, especially on roads where the limit is not immediately obvious.

“We welcome ‘use by’ dates on signage - we’ve all seen signs announcing ‘new road layout ahead’ when the layout changed many months, if not years ago. Giving residents the power to ask councils to take down expired signs makes perfect sense, although we hope that cases of people having to do this will become exception rather than the norm.”