Councils now have the power to take down pointless road signs that distract drivers or cause an eyesore.

The GOV.UK website states that there were 4.57 million road signs in the UK in 2013, more than double the amount in 1993.

Under the new, simpler rules, town halls will be able to remove unnecessary signs – the first time they have been able to do so.

Signs that display messages such as 'new road layout ahead' will now have 'remove by dates', to prevent them being left up for months or years after they become unnecessary.

Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary, said:

“Road signs should only be installed on our roads when they are essential. Our common-sense reforms will help get rid of pointless signs that are an eyesore and distract drivers.

“These new rules will also save £30 million in taxpayers’ cash by 2020, leaving drivers with just the signs they need to travel safely.”

The Department for Transport hired Sir Alan Duncan MP to spearhead the taskforce which will eventually see all pointless signs removed from UK roads and streets.

The GOV.UK website stated: "Too many signs look ugly and stop drivers seeing only essential messages. Cutting the number and size of signs will help reduce unnecessary eyesores for all road users and local residents."

The site also states councils are expected to save £30m in maintenance costs by 2020.

Fewer signs will need to be lit under new rules, reducing light pollution and cutting energy bills. However, safety signs must still be lit.

Other changes to how road signs are managed:

  • Some signs will only need to take the form of either road markings or a sign post – not both.
  • The start of traffic restrictions will only need to be marked with a single sign.
  • Repeated speed limit signs are no longer mandatory – councils can choose how many signs they erect along a stretch of road.
  • There will be new cyclist-level signs at busy junctions to improve safety.
  • Signs for cyclists and walkers will be smaller to reduce clutter on streets.