Safety Signs News

'Bizarre' warning signs theft 'put drivers at risk'

21st January 2011 | Warning Signs

Posted by Ben Alexander

Warning signs on a country lane in County Durham that have been stolen by thieves are putting motorists' lives at risk, the region's council says.

The theft of the dozen newly-installed health and safety signs, on the C42 between Evenwood and Esperley, was described by Durham County Council as "bizarre and dangerous".

It will cost £2,500 to replace the signs, which were mostly hazard warning signs and chevron notices and installed as part of a new road safety programme. The C42 has many sharp bends.

Steve Keetley, head of technical services at the council, said it was possible the signs had been stolen for their "limited" scrap metal value.

"Not only has this crime put lives at risk it's going to cost the council £2,500 to replace the signs, at a time when we are already under significant financial pressure," he added.

Temporary warning signs are being installed until they can be permanently replaced.

This month, South East Water said some drivers were moving and stealing warning signs in place at a temporarily-closed road in Kent. The B2188 is closed so that burst water mains work can take place.

The water firm said the situation was "potentially dangerous". ADNFCR-2754-ID-800356359-ADNFCR