LAW CHANGE TO SLAP ROAD SIGNS ON YOUR HOME

OAD signs could be attached to -private homes without the owners’ consent under controversial Government plans unveiled yesterday.
Highways authorities would get the power to effectively demand that properties become “display boards” to reduce street clutter.
Transport minister Norman Baker hailed the shake-up of rules governing road signs as “the most far-reaching in 40 years”.
But motoring groups warned of a likely public backlash.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “We regard our homes as our castles but this report suggests they could be used as display boards.
“Ministers must be careful before they decide to extend limited powers already available in some parts of London and risk alienating the -public.”
The AA said: “There can be too many poles carrying road signs and in London the street names on buildings set a precedent.
OAD signs could be attached to -private homes without the owners’ consent under controversial Government plans unveiled yesterday.
Highways authorities would get the power to effectively demand that properties become “display boards” to reduce street clutter.
Transport minister Norman Baker hailed the shake-up of rules governing road signs as “the most far-reaching in 40 years”.
But motoring groups warned of a likely public backlash.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “We regard our homes as our castles but this report suggests they could be used as display boards.
“Ministers must be careful before they decide to extend limited powers already available in some parts of London and risk alienating the -public.”
The AA said: “There can be too many poles carrying road signs and in London the street names on buildings set a precedent.
“The London Local Authorities and Transport for London (No 2) Bill is currently proceeding through the -legislative process. It will provide powers for local authorities in London to place traffic signs on property without the consent of the property holder, subject to proper controls and checks, to reduce the requirement for poles to support signs.
“The Government will give consideration to introducing these powers nationally subject to the outcome of this London legislation.”
Other ideas in the review include a new sign to warn lorry drivers against being guided into narrow lanes by their sat-nav systems.
Also, road sign lighting could be dimmed “to reduce costs and carbon emissions”. It could also become -easier for councils to introduce 20mph limits.
Mr Baker said: “This is the most far-reaching review of traffic signs in 40 years. We are cutting pointless bureaucracy, giving councils more freedoms, and updating our suite of signs for the modern era.”