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Up to 70% of the signs on rural roads are unnecessary and could be removed
Having fewer signs enhances the beauty of the countryside and can encourage more responsible driving, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
And the RAC Foundation said too many signs on the roads "simply confuse'' motorists.
The CPRE wants the Government to issue guidance on how to fix signs and design roads to prevent overuse of signage to enhance the appearance the landscape.
At an Institute for Highway Incorporated Engineers conference in Loughborough today, CPRE planning campaigner Paul Miner will also urge highway authorities to carry out "clutter audits'' of secondary A, B and lesser roads.
Road audit
An audit of the A32 in rural Hampshire found 70% of the signs could be removed, according to the CPRE.
Mr Miner said: "The Government wants local authorities to be 'place shapers. The best place everyone can start is by looking at the appearance of our roads. Most of our rural roads are a mess of unnecessary and standardised signage that looks bland and encourages irresponsible motoring. By getting rid of this clutter, local councils, highway engineers and communities can make our countryside a safer and more attractive place to be.''
Sheila Rainger, head of campaigns at the RAC Foundation, said: "Road signs are designed to warn, instruct and advise, but if overused they simple confuse. Highways authorities have the best of intentions, hoping that additional signs will enhance road safety, but a surfeit of signs can lead to disaster.
The conference will hear today about alternatives to traditional road signs and markings - for example, "shared space'' between vehicles and pedestrians at Shipbourne, Kent, which the CPRE says could save up to 125 signs as well as road markings.
