Kennedy rules out review for damaged ‘Londonderry’ signs

‘Londonderry’ signs have been particular targets of vandals in the past.

Back in 2011, the Roads Minister Danny Kennedy revealed that ‘Londonderry’ road signs were vandalised about 12 times a year in Roads Service’s Western Division at a cost of about £50 a sign - £600 in total.

Responding to Mr Campbell’s call for a review, Mr Kennedy said most damaged signs are generally prioritised for replacement or repair, as necessary.

Damaging a sign is an offence under Article 33 of the Road Traffic (NI) Order 1981 and anyone caught defacing road signs will be prosecuted.

However, Mr Kennedy ruled out a review. He said there are a number of methods that can be used when dealing with vandalism of signs.

“Signs can be manufactured with an anti-graffiti coating, which helps prevent defacing, or can be made with a composite aluminium/polyethylene backing sheet, which is used to deter theft,” he explained.

“When faced with persistent problems in relation to either graffiti or theft, Roads Service engineers have the facility through its current procurement contract to order signs that incorporate these additional countermeasures.

“Roads Service officials consider the existing arrangements are adequate and on that basis do not consider there is a need to commission a review into the vandalism of signs at this time,” he concluded.