Advertising signs should not be permitted on the highway.

Divisional and Agency staff will take action when unauthorised signs along a road become a problem, or in response to a complaint from a Parish or Town Council, or from other elected representative.

The procedure for each type is:

(1) Signs fixed to a tree or structure (S.132 Highways Act 1980) or 'A-boards' in urban areas which interfere with the safe movement of road users, taking account of the width of the footway and the number of pedestrians using it:

• Remove the signs without notice
• Store for not less than four weeks,
• Where the owner is known, advise them where the signs are,
• Charge of £20 per sign on collection by the owner
• Dispose of signs not collected after four weeks.

(2) Signs on their own posts (structures under S.143 Highways Act 1980): Within one month of the receipt of the initial complaint, the Division or Agent will seek to secure the removal of the sign or signs. If this is not achieved the notice will be served.

The first time signs appear, one month's written notice is to be given, stating clearly that if the same or similar signs appear again, they will be removed without further notice and be disposed.

• If not removed by owner, remove to store for two weeks.
• Charge of £20 per sign, or the actual cost or removing the sign, whichever is the greater on collection by the owner.
• Dispose of signs not collected after two weeks.

(3) Signs fixed to vans or other vehicles - seek the assistance of the police to move them.

Where there is a continuous serious breech of the above policy, the Assistant Director (Highways & Engineering) may authorise Court action.