We're responsible for installing, maintaining and approving road signs and markings across the borough.
Road signs
Road signs are used to convey information to road users, to encourage road safety and to assist in traffic flow. They fall into the following groups:
- signs giving orders (red circles with white background) are mostly prohibitive
- warning signs (usually triangular) draw the driver's attention to possible hazards on the road ahead
- directions signs (mostly rectangular) show how to get to a place
- tourism signs (mostly rectangular on a brown background) direct visitors to a destination along the most appropriate route
- other information (usually rectangular) signpost local facilities, such as recycling sites.
All road signs and markings must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations issued by the Department for Transport. They determine the design of the signs and where they can be used. They also decide whether they must be lit up at night.
It's an offence to place a sign on a road that isn't authorised. It can be dangerous for pedestrians and drivers.
You can find out more about what road signs and markings mean in the Highway Code.
You can report a damaged road sign to us here.
Road markings
We employ an external contractor to paint all our road markings. The work is carried out during spring, summer and autumn.
Road markings are just as important as road signs; they contribute to a safe driving environment. They convey information to road users which might not be possible using upright signs.
Road markings can be advisory, for example keep clear markings. They can also be enforceable, for example yellow lines, box junctions, or stop lines.
Mirrors
We don't approve the placement of mirrors on a road to help with visibility issues.
Rather than improving road safety, mirrors can be more of a hazard as they can dazzle drivers. This affects their ability to judge the distance of oncoming traffic, and can be subject to vandalism.
If we find a mirror that's been placed on a road, we'll treat it as an obstruction and remove it.