Villagers ‘extremely disappointed’ after Buckinghamshire Council removes speed limit signs that were ‘not approved’
Villagers say they are “extremely disappointed” after Buckinghamshire Council was forced to remove speed limit signs that they funded out of their own pockets, as they did not comply with national regulations.
Newton Longville residents came together to purchase 30 road safety signs, to highlight the 30mph speed limit through the village, at a cost of £700.
However, the signs which were put up on lamp posts around the village, have now been removed by Buckinghamshire Council’s Highways department, as the authority said they were not approved and did not comply with national requirements.
Newton Longville resident Helen Roberts explained: “I find {the removal of the signs} incredibly frustrating and, quite honestly, disappointing.
“Why should residents who have taken the time, effort and expense to try to make their village safer be penalised for doing so?
“What is even more confusing is that identical signs have been put up in neighbouring villages, yet they have not apparently been asked to remove theirs.
“We are not trying to cause problems or break rules. We simply want drivers to slow down and show some consideration for the people who call Newton Longville home.
“If the signs cannot legally remain on the lamp posts, then surely the council should be working with residents to find an alternative rather than simply removing something the community has paid for to improve road safety.”
The Newton Longville Residents Association added: “The signs were part of a residents’ initiative, which Buckinghamshire Highways has classified as fly-posting.
“As a public governing body, Newton Longville Parish Council is unable to endorse or support initiatives of this nature.
“Signs in neighbouring villages {including Swanbourne, Mursley and Drayton Parslow) were funded by their respective parish councils, and those villages have reported a significant improvement as a result.”
Buckinghamshire Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport Thomas Broom said: “We completely understand that residents want to drivers to stick to the 30mph speed limit and we share their commitment to keeping local roads safe.
"However, any signs placed on the public highway must comply with national regulations and be authorised before they are installed.
“Unfortunately, the signs in question have not been approved and do not comply with the national requirements.
"While we understand the intentions behind them, we have a responsibility to ensure all signage on the highway is installed safely and in line with the law.
“The signs have now been removed and returned at the request of those who installed them."