We try to keep all signs legible and visible. All signs are
reflective but there is a legal requirement to illuminate some in
areas of street lighting. Illuminated signs and bollards are
checked regularly and are also cleaned and replaced whenever
necessary. All signs, whether temporary or permanent, require the
approval of Cheshire West and Chester Council as Highway
Authority.
Apart from the usual regulatory and direction signs, there are
also other organisations that provide temporary signs to sporting
and other events. Should Parish Councils or voluntary groups wish
to use these signs, they should contact these organisations
directly:
The operators of tourist attractions can pay for white-on-brown
Tourism Signs to be erected by the Council, subject to them meeting
certain criteria. Application forms can be obtained from the
Area Highways Team.
Please help us by reporting signs that are obscured by foliage,
dirty or damaged to your Area Highways Team.
Unauthorised Signs
Unofficial signs, pictures, letters or other marks are not allowed
on highways for safety reasons. However, a Police-recognised 'Home
Watch' scheme is able to obtain approved signs; the group running
the scheme may then erect them in places or on lamp posts approved
by the Area Highways Team.
Although not specifically approved, short term temporary signs
and banners (see below)* for the benefit of the community are
accepted and may be placed by community groups, with the permission
of the Area Highways Team; they must be removed
immediately after the event.
However, such attachments must not be made to lighting columns
without the consent of the Highways Service - Telephone:
0300 123 7036, who will be pleased to advise on any particular
matter. Lighting columns are made from a fairly light gauge steel
and the column manufacturers do not recommend the fixing of any
object that may cause stress to the column. The fixing of any signs
needs to be done in such a way as to prevent theft of the sign or
damage to the column.
Similarly, no attachments must be made to any bridges without
written consent. Call 01244 973932 for advice on any
particular proposal.
* Typical examples of activities are: Village and Church fetes,
town festivals, village gymkhanas, Maypole events, Christmas
decorations and greetings. Please note that if banners or bunting
are erected across the highway, then a minimum height clearance is
required which is dependent on the location. The normal height
clearance required is 5.5m (18ft) but this must always be confirmed
with the Area Highways Team.