Concerns about damaged and poorly-visible road signs have been raised by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon councillors.

At Monday night’s monthly meeting of the local authority, Councillor Joy Ferguson (Alliance, Banbridge DEA) asked DfI Divisional manager, Mark McPeak: “I just wanted to get some information on the programme of work for signage in the borough.

“People have come to me [to report] signage that is dirty, worn, unclean, that can’t be seen, broken, poles bent. What is the programme of works really within the Department to fix that?”

Mr McPeak replied: “[Regarding] dirty signs, broken poles, generally we would take forward repair works for public safety and high-priority issues.

One of the 30-mph speed-limit signs on the Loughgall Road, outside Portadown, was almost obscured by a tree when this photograph was taken. Credit: Google

placeholder image — One of the 30-mph speed-limit signs on the Loughgall Road, outside Portadown, was almost obscured by a tree when this photograph was taken. Credit: Google

"We do have an internal team who would normally have done that work based on priority, but they are struggling with their staffing resources.

"I would stress as well that our limited service doesn’t include for washing and cleaning signs. We would take something forward if it was public-safety related.”

Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath (DUP, Portadown DEA) raised concerns about warning signage.

He commented: “Warning signage, particularly speed limit signage, it was brought to my attention last week that both the 30mph speed limit signs coming onto the Loughgall Road in Portadown have just about appeared again as the leaves drop off the trees.

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"Our fatalities are rising on our roads. It’s important that warning signage that has been placed on the roads is clear and visible. And I know it’s not just Southern Division because we can see it in other parts as well.

"There are some very bad examples, particularly speed limit signage, some of the school signage that’s been put up, the 20mph speed limits. I know one in Tandragee is barely visible in a hedgerow, so I think that should be a priority and something that the Department really needs to look at.”

The senior DfI official replied: “I agree, there is obviously public-safety related signage that we need to make sure is visible and clear, to ensure that people can adhere to legislative requirements. We’ll take a note and we’ll try and do something about it.”