70% of rural road signs unnecessary
21 September 2007
- Rural roads need less clutter, says group
- Fewer signs 'improve driver awareness
- Calls for Government to introduce better guidelines
An estimated 70% of road signs in rural areas are unnecessary, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
The CPRE conducted a survey on a 10-mile section of the A32 in Hampshire between West Meon and Wickham, concluding that 70% of the road signs could either be removed or incorporated into other roadside signs.
It says that the stretch of road is typical of other rural areas.
The CPRE also highlighted evidence that removing road signs forces motorists to pay more attention, making roads safer.
It cited the town of Drachten in the Netherlands, where half the road signs were removed with no detrimental effect on road safety.
'Most of our rural roads are a mess of unnecessary and standardised signage that looks bland and encourages irresponsible motoring,' said Paul Miner, CPRE's planning campaigner.
'By getting rid of this clutter, local councils, highway engineers and communities can make our countryside a safer and more attractive place to be.'
Consequently, the CPRE is now pushing for the Government to introduce detailed guidelines for Highway Agency authorities and engineers on how to address landscape issues when designing roads.
The Scottish Government has already introduced guidelines to address the issues.
The RAC Foundation has backed the CPRE's calls, and is campaigning for a nationwide review of roadside signage.
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