Blooming dangerous: Drivers accidentally break speed limit as overgrown foliage obscures road signs

One-in-five (19%) drivers have accidentally broken the speed limit after not being able to see a road sign which has been obscured with foliage.

The problem is widespread, with almost all drivers (94%) polled by the RAC* reporting that they’ve seen road signs covered by overhanging branches, trees or hedges, and half (51%) saying that they frequently see signs in this state.

The most common signs that have been obscured by overgrown foliage include speed limit signs, stop signs, and give way signs. As a result, 21% have missed a turn, 13% have had to brake sharply and 5% have accidentally ignored a give way sign.

And it isn’t just road signs that are being taken over by voracious shrubs; some junctions have also been affected, with four-in-five drivers (80%) reporting that overgrown foliage has made it difficult to safely pull out of a junction or roundabout.

As rain is welcomed by gardeners hoping for a growth spurt following a prolonged, dry summer, the RAC is warning homeowners not to neglect pruning if plants, branches, and hedges on their property spill onto a public road or pavement. Not only can it have serious road safety implications, it could also land homeowners with a bill from the council, something which more than half (58%) of those surveyed, weren’t aware of.

In fact, local authorities can serve a notice to remove the foliage within 14 days, under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980. Failure to do so can result in the local authority performing the necessary works and sending the homeowner the bill. Homeowners could also be prosecuted under Section 137 of the Highways Act for wilfully obstructing a highway which could result in a penalty of up to 51 weeks imprisonment or a fine up to £1,000.

RAC spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “It’s concerning that so many drivers have broken the speed limit because they haven’t been able to see a road sign that has been obscured by foliage. And while a small number have accidentally ignored a give way sign, the effects of doing so can be catastrophic. As many welcome rain to give their gardens a much-needed boost after such a dry summer, it’s worth checking whether any plants, branches or hedges growing on your property spill onto a public road or pavement. 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.”  

An obscured road sign can be reported to the council, or to National Highways if it is on a motorway or major trunk road. Additionally, the FixMyStreet postcode search on the RAC’s website is a quick, easy way to report obscured signage.

For more information, click here: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/legal/summer-vegetation-growth-on-the-roads/.