Public Servant Lifestyle

Guidance to reduce the visual impact of 'road furniture' – signs, lighting and barriers for example – while also protecting the natural environment of Scotland’s roadsides is published.

Follow this link to access a .pdf format of the entire publication Road Furniture in the Countryside aims to set standards for the practical management of roadside items, even including telephone kiosks and bus shelters, in a way that respects the surrounding landscape.

The guidance provides advice to local authorities, public utility companies, tourist boards and the operating companies who maintain Scotland’s road and motorway network.

The move is in response to the gradual increase in the amount of signs and other items on Scotland’s roads and concern about the potential negative impact on Scotland’s scenery, particularly in rural areas popular with tourists.

Balanced Approach

Promoting a more balanced approach to how and where such items are placed should also help reduce the risk of accidents caused by drivers being distracted by an array of road signs and other roadside clutter.

The advice will also help with the appropriate design and placement of bilingual signs in the Western Highlands to ensure these signs provide a positive contribution to the local environment.

Angus Corby, Landscape Advisor at Transport Scotland said: "Scotland’s natural landscape is recognised around the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is important that we continue to protect the environment by limiting the number of items appearing on the roadside.

"We would urge all those who have an interest in Scotland’s road network to use this guidance. It will help road and planning authorities as well as tourist boards to make the most of our natural environment whilst reducing potential distraction to road users and contributing to the safety of our roads."

Transport Scotland is the new national transport agency for Scotland - an ageny whose purpose is to help deliver the Scottish Executive's vision for transport, passengers and businesses using the national rail and road networks.

Follow this link to access a .pdf format of the entire publication Road Furniture in the Countryside.

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