AA survey suggests we have too many road signs

Half of UK motorists think that there are too many road signs, according to the latest survey results from motoring organisation, the AA. More than one fifth strongly agreed that there were too many.The AA warns that too many signs lead to information overload. Road sign audits should therefore be set up to remove redundant or confusing signs. The survey of over 8,000 people also showed that agreement about there being too many road signs increased with age with only 38 per cent of 18-24 years olds saying there were too many signs, whilst 66 per centof drivers over 65 agreed there were too many.In terms of the usefulness of road signs over three quarters agreed (more than a quarter strongly) that not all road signs are useful. When asked what percentage of road signs drivers actually thought were useful, some 87 per cent agreed that more than a half were useful and over 36 per cent saying that three quarters were. Only 13 per cent said that less than a half were useful. Interestingly, there was significantly less variation of view across the age range on this point.Commenting on the results, AA President Edmund King said: "This survey comes at an important time for road signs in the UK with the Department for Transport carrying out a root and branch review of our signing system. It is clear that we need to rationalise some of our signing, however, a majority of signs are deemed useful. At times we do try to bombard the motorist with too much information, such as at junctions with more than 16 different signs. Essential signs include those crucial to road safety or those which help us avoid breaking the rules and getting a ticket.""Clear direction signs or signs to an attraction can reassure drivers and allow them to concentrate on the road ahead. Too many signs confuse motorists. Highway Authorities also need to remove redundant signs and clamp down on illegal sign erectors."

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