Signs and nameplates on the highway

We're always pleased to receive details of damaged or missing road signs (including street nameplates).

The council installs signs to regulate traffic and to provide warnings to drivers of hazards ahead.

The signs that may be used on the public highway are controlled by government regulations, covering the designs of the signs, where they can be used and whether they must be illuminated.

The council is frequently asked to install additional signs showing that there is a 30mph speed limit in residential roads. Under current regulations, however, it is not permitted to provide repeated 30mph signs in roads with street lights.

Drivers are expected to be familiar with the Highway Code, which states that the presence of street lights not more than 185 metres apart indicates the existence of a 30mph speed limit, unless signs show a different limit.

The council will provide direction signs under certain circumstances to destinations off the public highway, which strangers to the area may visit regularly.

Street nameplates

Once a nameplate has been erected, it is the responsibility of the council to maintain it. On newly-constructed roads, the developer must first erect the sign and the council takes over maintenance responsibility once the road has been adopted. Replacement of damaged or missing street nameplates, once reported, can take several weeks.

If you would like more information on road signage - or to tell us about any missing, damaged or obscured signs in your local area, please let us know. You can also use our online reporting service to report problems with road signs, as well as street nameplates.