Maybe it's just round here, (East Midlands) but there seem to be an incredible number of road signs obscured by luxuriant tree/vegetation growth. On my short (5 mile) rural drive to work there are several 40 limit signs obscured, and several directional/warning signs which only become visible at the last minute. OK, I know my way and the limits, but what is the legal position with regard to this if there is an accident or you are caught speeding? Do the local authority have a duty to keep them visible?
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Phil
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I live in your general area (East Midlands) and drive home on minor roads around midnight. On one 90deg left bend the reflective chevron sign was completely obscured by long grass and one night a car, presumably driven by a non-local, only got 30 degs round the bend before piling into a ditch at some speed. I e mailed the local Council (Rutland) and they were on the case the same day. Efficient but perhaps also motivated by the possibility of legal action. I think you might have some come-back if you were speeding in an area where a limit sign was obscured; if you crash it is probably a case of going too fast on an unfamiliar road ie down to you. I might add there are several signs warning of the bend I described above, apart from the chevrons actually on it.
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Rutland is where I crashed the goona.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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These nearly killed me but did succeed in killing my driver friend. In 1959 we were on a night time rally and were driving along the B2163 south of Maidstone in an eastwardly direction. A 'Stop, Major Road ahead' sign, where the latter road crosses the A229 running south from Maidstone, was obscured by luxuriant summer growth on the trees. As a consequence, the driver did not heed this hidden warning and we were hit side on by the only car on the road at 3am.
There weren't any seat belts in those days, I should hasten to add but needless to say, I survived but my friend, Tony, died on the way to Maidstone General - we were both 21 years old.
I did go on to do further rallying until that weekend activity seemed to eventually die out and was frowned upon by all and sundry.
To this day I never ignore signs that tell me to 'Stop' no matter whether the road is clear or not.
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"As a consequence, the driver did not heed this hidden warning and we were hit side on by the only car on the road at 3am.
There weren't any seat belts in those days, I survived but my friend, Tony, died "
I will ring the local authority - might save an accident.
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Phil
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Here in Norfolk we are still waiting for the council to replace some road signs that were removed in WW2. You will be led on a merry dance to a destination when you come to a cross roads with no signs whatsoever.....
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They should get Cool Hand Luke and his ilk to clear the excess foliage!
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L\'escargot.
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Section 85 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
"For the purpose of securing that adequate guidance is given to drivers of motor vehicles as to whether any, and if so what, limit of speed is to be observed on any road, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, in the case of a trunk road, to erect and maintain the prescribed traffic signs in such positions as may be requisite for that purpose."
Can overgrown signs be considered to be 'maintained' ?
An argument to be used at Court contesting a speed charge.
dvd
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DVD, thanks for that. So, the Sec of S bears ultimate responsibity for signage on a trunk road but what about lesser roads ie the obscured sign on a 'B' road in my post above? Is any body or authority responsible for these or do we just take our chances? Is obscuration a defence on the minor roads?
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Signing of Motorways and Trunk Roads is the responsibilty of Sec of State (D of T) as you say.
Rest of the roads it is the responsibilty of the Local Authority.
dvd
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