Road signs and markings

As the Highway Authority, we maintain and provide signs to give information to our road users. The Highway Code gives examples of the most common signs in normal use.

All signs, whether temporary or permanent, require the approval from us, as Highway Authority.

Road sign/Street name sign issue

Road sign issues which are not causing danger are unlikely to be considered for action at the current time. Should the situation deteriorate, our regular inspection schedules, which monitor conditions across our network, will identify any repairs that are needed to address safety issues.

If you feel that we need to attend to a damaged road sign or street name sign, please report it to us.

Dirty road signs

We monitor the condition of road signs as part of our routine maintenance programme and cleansing will be considered on a safety related basis.

New road signs

Signs fall into certain groups:

• Signs giving orders – mostly circular with a red border
• Warning signs – mostly triangular with a red border
• Direction signs - mostly rectangular, destinations and map type
• Information signs - mostly blue rectangular sign
• Street name plates – at the end of the street to help people find properties

We recognise the importance of accurate and appropriate road signage, but also the distraction and clutter that can result from too many signs. Requests for new signs will be assessed by our team based on national guidelines, local policies, and funding provision. New road signs requests will only be considered on safety grounds if there is justification based on recorded road collisions and other data.

We will assess street nameplate request for a new or replacement sign on a safety related basis or if has been raised as a concern by the Emergency Services.

If you feel that a new sign or street nameplate is required based on the information above, you can make a request.