New rules giving local authorities the power to tear down out-of-date road signs will come into force this week.
The number of roadside signs more than doubled from 2.45 million in England in 1993 to an estimated 4.57 million in 2013.
Many of these signs are now unnecessary and divert attention from important messages, and so the Government is giving councils the power to remove them from 22 April.
Whitehall estimates the new rules will save millions in running costs by 2020 and will also lead to savings on energy costs because fewer signs will need to be lit.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘Road signs should only be installed on our roads when they are essential. Our common-sense reforms will help get rid of pointless signs that are an eyesore and distract drivers.
‘These new rules will also save £30m in taxpayers’ cash by 2020, leaving drivers with just the signs they need to travel safely.’
