Britain's traffic signing system to be reviewed

New measures will allow councils to put frequently used signs in place without getting government permission every time

The biggest review into Britain's traffic signing system for 40 years is to go ahead.

The Government hopes that the review will dramatically reduce the number of signs councils need to use by relaxing rules such as by removing the requirement for some signs to be placed on both sides of the road.

The new measures will significantly cut red tape by allowing councils to put in place frequently used signs without needing to get government permission every time. There are also proposals to save councils money by allowing them to publicise their Traffic Regulation Orders in a manner that is appropriate for the target audience.

There will be new signs to alert drivers to parking spaces with charging points for electric vehicles and councils will be able to indicate estimated journey times on cycle routes, to help people plan their journeys.

The new framework includes measures to update and improve traffic signs to make sure that they reflect the way we travel now, as well as providing clear information on prohibitions on the road network.

Changes will include a new sign warning lorry drivers that a road is unsuitable for their vehicles. Also, allowing councils to use innovative new measures such as pedestrian countdown timers and diagonal crossings without Government approval.

Measures to reduce the impact that traffic signs have on the environment and help cut costs for councils and central government by reducing the levels of bureaucracy needed to put signs in place include issuing guidance to councils to encourage them to improve their streetscapes by identifying and removing unnecessary traffic signs and reducing the lighting requirements for signs.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "We are cutting pointless bureaucracy, giving councils more freedoms, and updating our suite of signs for the modern era."

Further information:
Department for Transport