Environment and roads

Road signs

The purpose of traffic signs are to direct, inform, warn and protect road users.

Road signs are important to all users of roads – cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike. We take care when placing new signposts, ensuring that there is no obstruction, they are the correct size, that they do their job without causing distraction to drivers. It is also important to us that we place road signs in a way that does not affect the surrounding environment – for example we use grey signposts in conservation and rural areas.

Signs are made of reflective material so that they can be clearly seen at night – these are given preference over signs that require lighting at night, saving energy and further maintenance.

We keep detailed and accurate records of all signs within Hertfordshire, and repair them promptly if they are damaged by vandals or in road traffic accidents. Road signs are also cleaned on a regular basis – we pay particular attentions to signs that are located close to trees and other vegetation.

Street name plates are provided by and looked after by your local district council.