Signs of the times

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Transport Secretary Philip Hammond believe much of this "unnecessary street clutter" was installed in the mistaken belief it was required by law, and have written to council leaders calling for signs to be taken down.

The sentiment behind their approach – that picturesque roads are being blighted and taxpayers' money is being wasted – is all well and good but the problem facing this latest coalition policy is that one

person's unnecessary sign is another's vital resource.

It is an issue that few people will be able to agree on – the AA said a poll of members failed to find any common ground because if we want to regulate traffic, ensure drivers don't get lost and are safe, people must appreciate that not all signs are clutter.

And then there is the cost of removing the signs – as well as the cost of replacing the worn or damaged ones that are deemed worth keeping.

It all adds up to an expensive and futile exercise and, when you consider the shocking state of our roads, one the Transport Minister should not be wasting too much time on.