Gov To Give Councils Power To Change Signs

Councils will no longer need Whitehall approval to introduce certain signs on their roads, as part of a Government proposal to "cut bureaucracy".

Ministers said part of the reasoning was to tackle the "misery caused by lorry drivers" as the follow satnavs down narrow and inappropriate roads.

Under the new rules, laid before Parliament by Transport Minister Norman Baker, councils will no longer need Whitehall approval to introduce certain new signs or some existing ones that they need to use on a regular basis – including one to warn lorry drivers of unsuitable roads.

The Government said it believes the changes will cut bureaucracy and give councils the flexibility to make sure their roads reflect the reality of modern driving and cycling.

Norman Baker said: "I am bringing an end to the ludicrous situation where councils have to come to central government for permission to put up signs they need to use on a regular basis to manage their roads.

"This will also allow them to more easily introduce new signs – like those which will prevent satnavs directing huge lorries down narrow country lanes.

"By adding these signs to the list of those which councils can use without needing Whitehall approval we will be reducing costs and bureaucracy as well making sure that the needs of 21st century drivers and cyclists are met."

Among the new signs councils will now be able to use without needing to get Government approval are those indicating that a route is unsuitable for lorries - designed to tackle the problem of lorry drivers using inappropriate roads because they are following satnavs - and signs indicating charging points for low emission vehicles.

(DW)