Driver avoids six-month ban over ‘inadequate’ sign

A driver in Manchester narrowly avoided a six-month driving ban after successfully arguing that a road sign warning of a speed limit change was “inadequate.”

The driver, who was caught speeding in a 30 mph zone, claimed that the sign indicating the change to a 20 mph zone was obscured by overgrown trees and not clearly visible. The magistrate agreed that the sign was indeed difficult to see and ruled in favor of the driver.

As a result, the driver received penalty points on their license but avoided a ban, with the magistrate acknowledging the importance of clearly visible road signs for drivers to comply with speed limits.

This case highlights the importance of road sign visibility and the potential consequences for drivers when signs are deemed inadequate. It also serves as a reminder for local authorities to regularly maintain and ensure the visibility of road signs for the safety of all road users.