Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council has been praised by the Government for taking action to reduce unnecessary traffic signs in the city.
The praise comes as the Department for Transport (DfT) urges all Local Authorities to identify, review and remove unnecessary traffic signs on a regular basis as a cost effective means of improving the environment.
The Secretary of State of Transport, The Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, wrote to all traffic authorities this month and cited York as a good example of an authority which was already taking action to reduce sign clutter.
Mr McLoughlin wrote: “I know that many local authorities are already taking action to reduce unnecessary signs. One of the case studies in the document highlights the work that City of York Council has done to de-clutter its streets. The city undertook an audit of each sign within one of its conservation areas, with a view to removal unless there was a very clear need. This pilot scheme cost less than £1,000 and is anticipated to pay for itself in 3 to 4 years through a reduction in ongoing maintenance and energy costs.”
To help authorities take action, the DfT has published a new Traffic Signs Advisory document, ‘Reducing Sign Clutter’, which provides simple advice for improving the streetscape and environment.
Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability said: “This praise really emphasises the excellent work of our Reinvigorate York project, which is providing a lasting legacy, enhancing the public realm and supporting city centre retailers, tourists and residents.”
Sir Ron Cooke, Chair, Reinvigorate York, said: “ The Secretary of State for Transport, and The Department for Transport has finally recognised what York has been arguing for some years: that traffic signs, especially in pedestrianised areas, blight the enjoyment and safety of heritage cities like York.
“The latest report recognises the success and value of York’s policy of removing unnecessary clutter; obsolete, temporary and misleading signs; and unnecessary, unmaintained road markings, and dangerous barriers and bollards.
“The Department is recommending local authorities audits clutter, along the lines York has already undertaken. In York, there remain plenty of opportunities not simply to remove clutter, but also to make the roads and pavements safer for pedestrians, cyclists and those with physical difficulties, and to enhance the quality of the city’s public realm. City of York Council, as part of its Reinvigorate York policy, and supported by York Civic Trust, is vigorously taking forward these ideas.”
For more information on Reinvigorate York please visit www.york.gov.uk
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