Road clutter scheme lacks support

The CPRE says signs are eroding the beauty of rural areas

Councils are failing to support a proposed crackdown on signs and road markings that "clutter up" rural areas, environmental campaigners have claimed.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) aims to end what it calls the "disfigurement" of rural lanes.

But only two highway authorities - Hertfordshire and West Sussex - have signed up to the "Clutter Challenge" project launched by the CPRE last year.

The group said it was "very disappointed" by the poor response.

A number of highway authorities have said they lack the resources to undertake the proposed "clutter audit", according to the CPRE.

However, Paul Hamblin - the group's head of transport policy - said the removal of unnecessary signs would lead to savings on authorities' maintenance budgets in the long term.

The profusion of signs, road markings and street furniture are all steadily eroding the character of rural roads Paul Hamblin CPRE

Mr Hamblin said: "Slavishly following the rule book is stifling creative thinking on how we can manage traffic on the roads without harming countryside character."

He added: "The profusion of signs, road markings and street furniture are all steadily eroding the character of rural roads.

"Some signs are necessary for road safety, but others could easily be removed without causing problems."

He went on: "The stated ambition of many authorities to protect the countryside from this creeping urbanisation is not being matched by their willingness to take concerted action."

'National profile'

A spokesman for West Sussex county council said it had addressed the CPRE's concerns in its 10-year Transport Plan for the area, covering the period 2006-2016.

Why do we have to have bright red cycle lanes for instance, a real eyesore if ever there was one Rob, Gloucester, UK Have Your Say

By way of tangible changes, he pointed to the removal of 250 'no waiting at any time' poles in Chichester, as well as signs fixed to lighting columns.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "I am glad this issue is now starting to get a national profile because it is an issue that has concerned me and many residents for some considerable time."

And Hertfordshire County Council said it was in the process of conducting sign audits to determine where clutter could be reduced, particularly in the Chilterns.