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Overgrown Vegetation Hides Road Signs, Survey Finds
By Drooid · · How we work
Survey Reveals Widespread Sign Obscuration
A survey of 1,412 UK drivers commissioned by the RAC and carried out by research firm Online95 in August shows that nearly one-fifth of motorists (19 per cent) have unintentionally exceeded the speed limit because a speed-limit sign was concealed by overhanging trees, branches or hedges. The same research found that 94 per cent of respondents had encountered signage covered by vegetation, and 51 per cent reported seeing obscured signs on a frequent basis.
Impact on Driver Behaviour and Safety
The obscured signs have tangible safety consequences. According to the survey, 21 per cent of drivers missed a turn, 13 per cent were forced to brake sharply, and 5 per cent inadvertently ignored a give-way sign. Moreover, four out of five respondents (80 per cent) said that untended plants make pulling out of a junction or roundabout safely difficult, highlighting a broader risk to road manoeuvring.
Official Guidance from the RAC
She added that councils may require property owners to trim or remove trees, hedges or shrubs that block public roads or footpaths, and that failure to comply could result in a fine—a penalty that 58 per cent of surveyed drivers were unaware of.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cutting them back to ensure signs are clearly visible, and pavements are free from any obstacles, goes a long way in ensuring the roads are safe for all.” — The RAC