Road signs stolen for scrap

The signs will be made from plastic to stop thieves

Road signs are being stolen in Derbyshire - by thieves selling them as scrap metal.

Hundreds of black-and-white chevron signs have gone missing from main roads across the county.

Dozens of strips of metal from the large green and white route direction signs have also been stolen.

Highway officials are replacing the signs with plastic ones in an effort to deter thieves.

But they are worried the thefts could lead to a fatal accident.

Derbyshire County Council's member for environment and highways Brian Lucas said: "I'm appalled by these mindless thefts which are putting lives at risk and creating a bill running into thousands of pounds.

"The value of these signs as scrap metal is negligible but their removal has potentially fatal consequences."

Accident black spots where the signs have vanished from include the A6 between Buxton and Matlock, Kedleston Road in Derby and Moor Lane in Barrow Upon Trent.

If people are concerned when they see road signs being removed they are reminded that county council workers carry identification cards.