Councils are promised greater freedoms to cut down on the number of road signs and markings in their area under plans announced by Roads Minister Robert Goodwill.

A consultation was launched last week to gather views on this and other proposed changes to Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions.

“The number of signs has soared from 2M in 1993 to over 4.6M today. This is causing unnecessary clutter in our towns and cities," Mr Goodwill said.

“The proposed changes will mean greater flexibility for councils to cut the number of signs, whilst ensuring consistency and making sure our roads are even safer for cyclists and motorists."

Also put to consultation are suggestions for clearer road markings and relaxed regulations for parking bays and ‘yellow box’ junctions, as well as measures to help improve safety for cyclists. These include installation of low level signals and bigger cycle boxes at traffic lights, and the removal of ‘lead-in’ lanes at advance stop lines which can force cyclists to enter a cycle box alongside the kerb.

British Cycling policy adviser Chris Boardman said: “These new traffic signs will allow local authorities to more easily accommodate the needs of cycling into roads design.

"However we still need the leadership to ensure these designs make it onto our roads,” he added.

As part of the consultation, which closes on 12 June, the Department for Transport is holding nine events across the country to explain the proposed changes. To respond to the consultation online, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/M365825

Photo: Richard West

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