One in five drivers admits to accidentally breaking the speed limit because of obscured signage

Overgrown trees, hedges and shrubs could be putting drivers at risk by hiding road signs, with almost one in five motorists saying they have accidentally broken the speed limit as a result.

Research from the RAC found that 19% of drivers have accidentally exceeded a speed limit because they couldn’t see a road sign obscured by foliage.

The problem appears to be widespread. Almost all drivers surveyed (94%) said they had seen road signs covered by overhanging branches, trees or hedges, while 51% said they frequently see signs in this condition.

Speed limit signs were among the most commonly obscured, alongside stop and give-way signs.

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Drivers forced into sudden braking

Hidden signs aren’t just causing confusion over speed limits.

According to the RAC research, 21% of drivers have missed a turn because of obscured signage, while 13% have had to brake sharply. A further 5% said they had accidentally ignored a give-way sign.

Overgrown foliage can also make it harder for drivers to see other vehicles when approaching junctions and roundabouts.

Four in five surveyed (80%) said bushes and plants make it difficult to safely pull out of a junction or roundabout.

The RAC is now urging homeowners to check whether trees, hedges and other plants on their property are growing over public roads or pavements.

Homeowners could face an unlimited fine

Under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, councils can order landowners to cut back vegetation obstructing a highway, usually giving them 14 days to act. If they don’t, the council can arrange the work and recover the cost.

You can also face prosecution for wilfully obstructing a highway under Section 137. While the offence was historically associated with a £1,000 fine, this was changed by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The fine is now unlimited and can be imposed alongside, or instead of, a prison sentence.

More than half (58%) of those surveyed by the RAC were unaware homeowners could face action over obstructive foliage.

RAC spokesperson Harriet Hernando urged homeowners to check their gardens, saying cutting back vegetation to keep signs visible and pavements clear “goes a long way in ensuring the roads are safe for all”.

What should you do if a road sign is hidden?

If you spot an obscured road sign, you can report it to your local council. Signs on motorways or major A-roads can be reported to National Highways.

The RAC also recommends using FixMyStreet to report problems with road signs and other highway issues.

There are some restrictions on cutting vegetation during the bird nesting and rearing season. However, the RAC says hedges or trees overhanging a highway and obstructing drivers’ views are not covered by the usual restriction where cutting is necessary for road safety.

Road safety organisation GEM also urged landowners to keep signs and drivers’ views clear, particularly at junctions and on bends.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “If they can’t see the signs, then their ability to make safe decisions is compromised, especially if they’re on unfamiliar roads.”

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