Drivers breaking speed limits due to obscured signs, report finds

Almost one in five drivers (19%) say they have accidentally exceeded the speed limit because overgrown foliage obscured a road sign, according to RAC research.

The motoring organisation’s survey found that 94% of drivers had encountered road signs hidden by overhanging branches, trees or hedges, while 51% said they saw signs in this condition frequently.

Speed limit signs were among those most commonly obscured, along with stop and give way signs.

The RAC says the issue has also led to other potentially dangerous situations. Of those surveyed, 21% said obscured signs had caused them to miss a turn, 13% had been forced to brake sharply and 5% had accidentally failed to give way.

Overgrown foliage can also restrict visibility at junctions and roundabouts, with 80% of drivers saying it had made pulling out safely more difficult.

The RAC is urging homeowners to check whether vegetation on their property is encroaching on public roads or pavements.

It says that, under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, local authorities can serve homeowners with a notice requiring foliage to be removed within 14 days. If the work is not completed, the authority can carry it out and recover the cost from the homeowner.

The RAC also warns that homeowners could be prosecuted under Section 137 of the Highways Act for wilfully obstructing a highway.

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.”

She urged homeowners to check whether plants, branches or hedges on their property were affecting public roads or pavements, adding that keeping signs visible and pavements clear “goes a long way in ensuring the roads are safe for all”.