Road signs are used to convey information to road users, to encourage road safety and to assist in traffic flows.

Interactive road signs

Vehicle activated interactive speed limit signs may only be installed as a response to excessive speed or as part of a Safer Routes to School Scheme. Certain criteria must be met and the signs may only be used on a 30mph road.

Roadworks signs

Advance notice boards will be erected for all County Council funded major roadworks. Temporary advance advisory signs such as 'Work starts here' will be erected at least two weeks before commencement of work on site. These will be removed on commencement of works and replaced with a scheme sign showing contractors name and emergency contact details.

Works carried out by the utilities are not controlled by the County Council, although a small percentage of their work is inspected in order to maintain standards.

Ice warning signs

Ice warning signs will be considered where icy conditions have been a significant factor in three or more reported injury accidents within a 500 metre length over a three year period.

Event signage

Temporary signs for events may be erected with our consent. Approval is subject to meeting a number of specific conditions and will only be given for major events (such as the Robin Hood Marathon) and not for retail openings or other promotions for which permission will be refused.

Diversion routes will be signed where delays are expected to be caused by works on the roads or other events.

Signs for new housing developments

These will only be permitted immediately adjacent to the site. Additional signs need to be justified and agreed with the Highways Manager and all costs are borne by the developer.

Neighbourhood watch signs

Neighbourhood Watch signs will be permitted on street lighting columns which are in good condition and where they present no safety risk to the public. The positioning of the signs must have prior approval from the Highways Manager.

What is done about unauthorised signs?

Signs which are an illegal and wilful obstruction are a safety hazard and will be removed immediately. The Highway Authority may serve notice to remove illegal signs, obstructing public use of the roads. If the offence persists the Authority may seek a Magistrates Order for the removal and disposal of the signs.

When are pedestrian signs used?

Pedestrian signs may be used:

• to indicate destinations not directly accessible by vehicle from the road
• where a destination has been signed from the nearest car park due to lack of parking facilities
• to indicate places within town centres that are dependent on the use of town centre car parks.

New signs

New traffic signs will normally only be provided:

• where recommended after an accident study
• in conjunction with improvements or alterations to the road network
• where existing signs are misleading and there is evidence of this causing confusion to road users
• where alterations to signage would be a positive benefit to commerce, industry or tourism
• where there is a legal requirement.

We take care in the positioning, design, size and mounting of signs, to ensure that their safety and environmental impact is kept to a minimum, in balance with road safety and traffic management needs. We consider making use of existing supports or street furniture, including lighting columns.

Further information

For more information about any aspect of road signs please tel: 08449 80 80 80.