Councils given road sign powers

22/12/11

By Shane Gladstone

Councils will be able to erect signs warning lorry drivers of narrow roads without having to first get the thumbs-up from the Government, it has been announced.

Transport minister Norman Baker told MPs the new rules would help to offset the effects of truck drivers following satnavs into locations not suitable for their wide and heavy vehicles.

The move will give local authorities the power to put up the signs that they call upon regularly to keep on top of local traffic issues.

Ministers said that the decision to decentralise the power would slash red tape and allow councils to adapt to evolving conditions on their own roads.

Mr Baker said: "I am bringing an end to the ludicrous situation where councils have to come to central government for permission to put up signs they need to use on a regular basis to manage their roads."