Drivers urged to report obscured road signs

Ever been caught out by a road sign hidden in the bushes?

According to a study by Caterer.com, 70% of Brits plan to holiday in the UK this year – meaning more of us could find ourselves driving on unfamiliar roads.

Now experts are warning that obscured road signs can be dangerous, as well as misleading…

Obscured road signs

The road safety association, GEM Motoring Assist, is urging drivers to report hidden or obscured road signs that could cause confusion.

Neil Worth, Chief Executive, said: “Road signs provide vital information for drivers, who will plan their speeds and actions based either wholly or in part on what the signs tell them.

“Nourished by recent rain, vegetation at this time of year tends to be at its most prolific, meaning more and more signs risk being partially or completely covered. It’s a growing menace that puts road users at risk.”

According to a survey conducted by Transport Focus, nearly a third of drivers missed a motorway exit due to poorly-located or obscured road signs last year.

GEM is encouraging all of us to take extra care when travelling to new destinations.

Mr Worth added: ”If you can’t see a sign, then your ability to make safe decisions is compromised, especially if you’re on unfamiliar roads.”

Reporting hidden signs

If you spot an obscured road sign in England or Wales, the government website has a dedicated page that will tell you which local authority to alert.

For concerns about signs on motorways and A-roads, reporting via the Transport Focus Sort My Sign hub forwards complaints directly to Highways England.

In Scotland, you can report road signs via Transport Scotland, while drivers in Northern Ireland should visit NiDirect to learn which local authority is responsible for the sign.

“We can help highways authorities and local councils to know where the problems are by using the reporting facilities they provide,” said Mr Worth.

“It is vital for road safety that trees, bushes and branches are not allowed to obscure important information, and that everyone using the roads has a clear view of speed limits and other signs.”

Planning a summer staycation? Here are our essential summer driving tips to help keep you safe on the roads.