‘UNINFORMATIVE’: RAC poll finds most drivers want clearer road closure signs
- Perry Richardson
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
More than half of drivers believe red “road ahead closed” signs are failing to provide useful information when approaching closures, according to a new RAC poll.
The motoring organisation found that 57% of drivers considered the common red and white signs “uninformative” when trying to understand the details of a road closure ahead. The findings point to a gap between statutory traffic management signage and the practical information drivers say they need to make route decisions.
Among those who found the signs unhelpful, 60% said the signs did not state which road was closed, while 56% said they failed to explain how far ahead the closure was. A further 15% said they did not trust that the signage was up to date.
The RAC said 93% of all drivers responding to the survey backed councils and contractors providing more detail about where closures are located. The result suggests strong demand for more specific, location-based information at the roadside, particularly where closures affect local access, taxi operations, deliveries and other time-sensitive journeys.
More than half of drivers say red “road ahead closed” signs fail to give enough detail, prompting calls for councils and contractors to improve information at works sites.
The poll also found limited compliance with diversion routes. Despite the risk of fines for ignoring traffic signs, only 30% of drivers said they always follow yellow diversion signs after seeing a red “road ahead closed” sign.
Drivers who avoid official diversions cited several reasons. Seven in 10 said they rely on local knowledge to find a better route, 58% said they fear the diversion will take them miles out of their way, and 52% said they simply follow their sat-nav.
The findings suggest a wider trust issue in temporary traffic management. Among drivers who do not follow diversion signs, 34% said they continue in the hope the closure is not on the road they are using, while 25% said they drive as far as possible before taking another turn ahead of the closure.
For taxi and private hire drivers, unclear closure signage can add operational pressure by increasing journey times, fuel use and customer delays. It may also create uncertainty around access to ranks, stations, hospitals, airports and town centre pick-up points.
The RAC findings are likely to add pressure on highways authorities and contractors to improve the quality of temporary traffic information. More precise signs showing the affected road, distance to closure and access arrangements could reduce unnecessary detours and improve compliance with official diversion routes.
Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “Our research with drivers reveals very clearly that, as things stand, ‘road ahead closed’ signs are not fit for purpose. Simply stating ‘road ahead closed’ is too vague as it doesn’t give drivers enough information about the closures they’re approaching and is causing a lack of trust.
“Our findings also show that in many cases drivers aren’t taking official diversion routes, which could cause issues in terms of traffic flow and potentially lead to dangerous situations around essential maintenance works. Sat-navs can be useful for finding alternative routes, but they don’t get everything right and sometimes won’t pick up emergency closures.
“Drivers ought to be able to trust the signs they are supposed to follow, and it wouldn’t take a lot of effort to improve them. By including key information, such as which road is closed, and ideally for how long, drivers would surely have more trust in the signage and be less likely to ignore official advice.”
