Traffic signs are used to:
- improve road safety
- reduce accidents
- direct and help road users
There are many signs which can be requested directly from us. However, some require funding from other sources or are the responsibility of other councils.
Report a problem
You can report a traffic sign problem for an unlit sign quickly and easily online using our Highways Reporting Tool.
If there is a problem with a lit sign, bollard, belisha beacon or wig wag sign you must report a faulty lit sign or bollard.
Signs provided by us
We provide:
- advisory signs (e.g. reduce speed now, village name plates, unsuitable for HGVs)
- direction signs
- information signs (e.g. weight limit ahead, diversion signs)
- regulatory signs (e.g. speed limit, waiting restrictions)
- rights of way signs (e.g. footpath, bridleway, byway)
- warning signs (e.g. bend, junction, road narrows)
You can request a sign using our Highways Reporting Tool, just select a location and tell us what traffic sign you think is needed there and why.
Signs that require our approval
There are some signs which are not paid for by us but do require our approval. They are:
- housing development signs
- neighbourhood watch
- temporary signs advertising local events
- tourist signs
- village signs
Signs provided by district or borough councils
District and borough councils are responsible for:
- street name plates
- signs for car parks they own or manage
- pedestrian finger post signs
Signs that are not on public roads may be subject to planning permission which must be requested through your district and borough councils.
All signs on public roads must follow the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 or be specifically authorised by the Department for Transport. More information can be found in the Highway Code.
Mirrors on the road
These are an approved road sign, but we do not permit new mirrors as they can increase risks and reduce safety because they:
- reflect light and interfere with a driver's vision
- reduce the ability to judge an oncoming vehicle's speed
- create an unreasonable dependence on the mirror
- distort or restrict the driver's view if dirty
- are an easy target for vandals
Mirrors on private land require agreement with the land owner and planning permission may be necessary. Contact your district and borough councils for further advice.