Pothole campaign seeks motorists’ support

14.35 | 28 June 2011 | | 3 comments

Confused.com is urging the DfT to introduce a new sign to warn drivers of potholes, and is calling on motorists to support its campaign.

The sign has been developed in response to research which found that even with sufficient budgets it would take at least 11 years to repair the UK’s damaged roads. Further research by Confused.com revealed that 82% of drivers would like to see a road sign dedicated to potholes.

Mike Hoban, chief marketing officer at Confused.com, says: “Although repairing these roads is obviously the long term solution, something needs to be done now.

“Currently the UK’s road signs include warnings for wild horses, wild animals, cattle and even toads but potholes aren’t considered worthy enough. A pothole road sign is a vital step in preventing accidents and reducing insurance claims whilst road maintenance continues.”

The sign’s design was inspired by local pothole crusader Ted Relf, a plumber from Kent, who made national headlines in April 2010 when his home made warning sign against potholes was removed by the local council.

Ted Relf says: “We all moan about potholes and now we have the chance to do something about them. I created my own pothole sign last year because I was concerned for the safety of drivers on my road.”

The pothole road sign has been produced in accordance with the signage guidelines set by the DfT, and is the brainchild of Phil Baines from Central St Martins, University of the Arts London.

For more information click here, or contact James Duffy or Rob Haycocks at Confused.com on 0207 307 3100.

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    Won’t work and won’t be implemented. Such a sign could be placed arbitrarily on all and every road in the Isle.

    It is also an admittance that the local authority has failed to do its job properly and would thus be liable, with or without signage for any damage caused.


    Bob Craven
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    What happens when the pothole is filled – will the sign come down? Will it be up and down each winter, also will it be a cheap alternative to road repairs?


    Tony Naylor, Devon.
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    So will an authority become liable for a vehicle that hit a pothole on a road that wasn’t signed? Or will that authority no longer be responsible for vehicles that hit potholes where this sign is placed?

    The sign looks very similar to the soft verges sign.

    Also for the cost of the sign, pole, maintenance, a few potholes could be repaired.

    Do routes have to have this sign applied to them, or will this sign be used as an advanced warning before each pothole?


    Adam, Hants
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