The Growing Concern Of Foliage Obscuring Road Signs

As greenery, trees and bushes flourish during the warmer months in the UK, a new analysis has revealed that nearly three-quarters (74%) of drivers report speed limit signs as the most obscured by overgrown foliage. Among these, 30mph signs are the most frequently hidden.

According to the data, over 50% of private and motor trade drivers encounter obscured signs regularly on their journeys, with nearly 40% noting that signs are occasionally hard to see during the spring and summer. Only a tiny fraction of drivers report no issues with obscured signs in their area.

While lush greenery is good for both the mind and soul, not to mention the benefits to wildlife, recent findings highlight a serious safety issue that will greatly interest all motor trade industries, like vehicle insurance brokers.

Over 40% of motorists admitted to inadvertently exceeding the speed limit due to hidden signs, and more than a quarter missed critical information that could compromise safety. Additionally, 28% of motorists reported missing their turns, and nearly 10% found themselves driving in the wrong direction!

The Impact of Hidden Signs

The problem is particularly highlighted with ‘red circle’ signs, which indicate mandatory actions for drivers. More than 50% of respondents identified 30mph signs as the most obscured, followed by 40mph (39%) and 20mph (16%) signs.

Directional and informational signs, especially those indicating upcoming motorway junctions, are the second most obscured, with over 65% of drivers reporting difficulty seeing them. ‘Red triangle’ warning signs, which alert drivers to changes in road layout and hazards such as junctions and school crossings, are also frequently hidden, as noted by over 40% of drivers.

Additionally, 35% of motorists found ‘give way’ signs difficult to detect due to overgrown vegetation on our roads.

Research shows that over 90% of drivers only notice obscured signs when they are too close to react safely. Many motorists rely on their local knowledge, like being aware of a sign’s location despite being unable to see it. Worryingly, nearly 20% only realise a sign is hidden after seeing a speed limit repeater sign, which can be placed up to 450 meters after the initial sign, potentially leading to unintentional speeding.

Safety Concerns at Junctions and Roundabouts

Overgrown greenery also poses risks at junctions and roundabouts. Over 80% of drivers who notice obscured signs report difficulty pulling out safely due to overgrown foliage. Consequently, nearly 60% of drivers believe that foliage should be controlled to prevent compromising road safety.

Nearly 30% of drivers expect local councils to maintain clear signage, given the taxes they pay. In contrast, under 10% are sympathetic to council budget constraints, and only 3% see no issue with obscured signs whatsoever.

Interestingly, nearly 50% of respondents find signs most overgrown on our rural roads, while only 9% report similar issues on urban roads. Over 40% find signs equally obscured on both road types.

No one needs an unexpected or costly visit to a vehicle bodywork repair shop or local motor mechanic. All drivers can help address this issue by reporting obscured signage. There is a website available that offers a simple reporting tool through the FixMyStreet postcode search functionality. Users can access an online map to report overgrown vegetation by entering their postcode, ensuring safer roads for everyone.