Stop swiping our signs!
From Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Infrastructure Councillor Ted Richards on 19 September 2008
For most people, they are vital ways of finding your way around the borough.
However, for others, they are a lucrative way of making money.
What are they? Road signs!
Across the borough, road signs are being stolen and sold on for scrap.
In the last year, the Council has spent around £24,000 replacing stolen directional signs, and another £50,000 is to be spent replacing other missing direction signs. Thieves are even going as far as stealing chevrons, used to warn about bends on our roads. This obviously puts drivers in danger, as they have no warning of oncoming bends.
Over the past year the Council has put in place a number of measures which has reduced the numbers of signs being stolen, including placing stickers on the back of the signs to state there is no scrap value, and using anti-vandal fixings. Alternative materials are also being used to make the signs.
A publicity drive last year also resulted in residents reporting suspicious activity, and police made at least one arrest. Trading Standards officers and police have also been meeting with local scrap metal dealers to make them aware of the issue.
But although the measures have reduced the numbers of stolen signs, people are still being asked to be vigilant, and tell the Council if they see anyone stealing a sign.
Councillor Ted Richards, Cabinet Member of Transport, Highways and Infrastructure, said: ”At first glance It may seem amusing that some people are stealing our signs, and some people obviously find the temptation of cash too hard to resist. But actually it is hitting each and every one of us in the pocket, as large amounts of money are having to be spent replacing them. And in some cases, the stealing of a chevron leaves drivers in a dangerous situation. While the situation is getting better, I would ask our residents to let us know if they see anything suspicious.”
Anyone who wants to report a stolen sign should call the Council on 0121 704 6000
For media enquiries only, Angharad Lynch 0121 704 6164
Email: alynch@solihull.gov.uk