Why do we need road signs and markings?
Clear road signs and markings help to keep roads safe and help
us to use the roads correctly. They give directions, help to keep
traffic moving and help to keep our roads safe.
Do road signs have to meet any standards?
There are standards to cover things such as when a sign is
needed, its size and how it is positioned. Generally, the size and
position of signs are based on the speed of the traffic using the
road. The higher the speed, the larger the sign. Standards are
applied nationally, to make sure they are consistent, but signs can
be adapted to the needs of different places.
The standards in Kent are different for built-up areas such as
towns compared with rural areas, and for minor roads compared with
major roads.
What do you aim to achieve with roads signs in Kent?
We consider Kent to be a beautiful place, and we try to balance
road-safety needs with a desire to reduce street clutter wherever
we place road signs and road markings.
We aim to:
- make sure we have all the signs needed on all A and B
roads
- provide at least the minimum standards of signs on minor
roads;
- increase this in areas where accidents keep happening or there
is a local danger;
- consider the environment when we think about where to place
signs, especially where they are needed on minor roads in rural
areas; and
- avoid using signs whenever possible in conservation areas and
other special areas.
How many signs are there in Kent?
There are around 140,000 signs around the county.
How many different types of signs are there?
Signs are grouped into four types.
Warning signs draw the driver's attention to possible dangers on
the road ahead. This could be where they need to slow down or to
highlight something such as a low bridge or a level crossing. They
are the same across the country so they can always be
recognised.
Regulatory signs such as speed-limit signs are in place to let
drivers know what traffic restrictions there are and help to
enforce these restrictions.
Directions signs show how to get to a place. They have the same
basic layouts across the country so drivers can always understand
them. Kent Highway Services decide which place names are put on
signs, apart from those on trunk roads and motorways which are
dealt with by the Highways Agency.
Other information signs include signs for local facilities, such
as recycling sites.
Are you responsible for all road signs in Kent?
No, the Highways Agency is responsible for signs on trunk roads
and motorways. District councils are responsible for some signs,
for example, road name signs, bylaw notices and Neighbourhood Watch
notices.
How do you look after road signs in Kent?
We have a general maintenance plan that covers things such as
cleaning, checking electrical safety and checking signs are still
reflective. We go out at night to check that signs are lit up.
We repair damage or faults within time limits. For example, we
repair unsafe electrical signs within two hours and remove
obstructions, such as overgrown bushes, when we notice the
problem.
Do you provide temporary signs for events, such as the Kent
County Show?
We can provide temporary signs for events if they:
- are open to the public;
- are going to attracts a lot of people; and
- will cause traffic problems.
These signs are provided by the AA, RAC or other similar
companies. They have to apply to us before they can put them up.
These signs still have to meet some standards and cannot have
advertising logos or product names on them.
What destinations are suitable for a tourist signs and how can
I apply?
There are a range of attractions suitable for tourist signs,
including hotels, gardens and castles. These are identified by a
brown and white sign but the attraction will have to meet some
standards to qualify for a sign.
Report a problem with a road sign
If you think there is a problem with a road sign that we need to
fix, please tell us through the
online fault reporting form - this link will open in a new
window. You will require an e-mail address to complete an online
report - if you do not have an e-mail address please call 08458 247
800. |