Hidden Road Signs: Why Overgrown Hedges Put Drivers at Risk

Who do you report a hidden road sign to? Report it to the local highway authority, which is usually the county or unitary council. National Highways deals with motorways and major A roads. Give the exact location and, if you can, a photo, and the authority can ask the landowner to cut back the growth.

We're calling on highways authorities and landowners to tackle the recurring menace of road signs obscured by foliage.

Why are hidden road signs dangerous?

Obscured or blocked road signs are at best a nuisance for drivers, and at worst can be misleading and dangerous, according to GEM. Drivers also need to see signs in the first place, which is why GEM urges them to book an eye test.

GEM chief executive comments: “Road signs provide vital instructions and information for drivers, who choose their speeds and actions based on what the signs tell them.

“If they can’t see the signs, then their ability to make safe decisions is compromised, especially if they’re on unfamiliar roads.

“Dealing with trees, branches and plants that hide traffic signs is a vital task, ensuring that speed limit and other signs are made as clear as possible to everyone using their roads.

“We therefore ask any farmers and landowners to do their bit for road safety and ensure any signs are clearly visible for road users, and that drivers have a clear and unobstructed view ahead, particularly at junctions and on the inside of bends.”

Who is responsible for cutting back hedges and trees near roads?

The Highways Act 1980 (Section 154) says landowners must protect the safety of road users by ensuring they maintain roadside hedges and trees preventing blocked roadside signs.

When can hedges and trees be cut back?

There is no blanket ban on cutting hedges and trees. Farmers in England must not cut hedges from 1 March to 31 August under farming rules, with exceptions for road safety. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still protects active nests whenever cutting takes place. However, any hedgerow or tree overhanging a highway and obstructing the view of drivers is not included within the restriction and should be cut back to improve road safety.

How to report an obscured road sign

GEM encourages drivers to report obscured road signs to the appropriate local authority. That is normally the local highway authority, through its website, and National Highways for motorways and major A roads. For tips on driving on those roads, see our guide to staying safe on motorways and dual carriageways.

What speed limit applies if you can’t see the sign?

Remember that a limit of 30mph usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting, unless there are signs to say otherwise.

Hidden road signs FAQs

Is it illegal to cut hedges during bird nesting season? 

There is no blanket ban, but two rules apply. Farmers in England must not cut hedges on agricultural land from 1 March to 31 August under farming rules, with exceptions for road safety. Separately, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to damage or destroy an active nest, whenever the cutting takes place and whoever does it. Check for nests before cutting.

Who is responsible for an overhanging tree on a public road?

The owner or occupier of the land the tree grows on is responsible for it, including cutting back branches that overhang the road or hide signs. The highway authority can ask the owner to deal with it, serve a notice under section 154 of the Highways Act 1980 and, if the notice is ignored, carry out the work and recover the reasonable cost from the owner.

GEM encourages drivers to report obscured road signs to the appropriate local authority, and to remember that a limit of 30mph usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting, unless there are signs to say otherwise.

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