'Pointless' Road Signs To Be Scrapped

Confusing signs which clutter the British countryside and point out the obvious on the roads will be banned under new plans.

The Government is working on new guidance for local councils and highway officials on reducing the number of signs, as well as revising traffic sign regulations.

The proposals will be announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin in a speech to members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

He will say: "Too many country roads carry a reminder of how insensitive planners can be to the aesthetics of transport design with the ugly and unnecessary signage that clutters up the network.

"New signs are added without any apparent consideration of existing ones or what's needed.

"And then there are those 'temporary' yellow signs saying 'new road layout ahead' that are left to rot for years.

"Often what we're left with is not just a blot on the landscape. It's also something that's confusing and dangerous."

The new guidance and traffic signs regulations will be issued by autumn next year - and they will five authorities greater freedom to simplify country junctions.

Mr McLoughlin will also use the speech to make clear that the Government is pressing on with plans for a high speed rail link across England.

An independent high speed rail design panel will be set up to review plans for stations, large viaducts and bridges.