Cut The Clutter
Campaign Update by Douglas Hoblyn
Since my last report about a year ago, I have continued discussions with the City and the County, and am pleased to report some success.
It may not be widely known that there is now no need for yellow No Parking “At Any Time” notices if the double yellow lines on the road are specified for 24/7. This small change in the rules has encouraged local authorities to renew their signage policy.
In the City I arranged a site visit with a representative from the Street Management Unit to the stretch of road from Gosforth Park to the Blue House roundabout. An order has now been placed for 20 signs, and posts without signs to be moved removed, or realigned. All the other signs are to be checked, cleared and/or replaced if necessary. We have agreed that the ¼ mile section between the A1 and Brunton Lane junction will be subject to a thorough investigation. If they will agree to change it from derestricted to 40 mph many signs (some duplicated) can be removed.
Following reorganisation in the County a Street Scene unit, who are in the process of reviewing all the parking regulations, has been established. As part of this exercise I have managed to get them to undertake a thorough look at all aspects of signage in Morpeth Town centre. As a result many signs and posts without signs have been removed. Parking direction signs are part of a general review as the new shopping precinct develops.
City and County
May 2010
