Traffic signs in the UK have a major effect on road safety and the efficiency of the road network, and therefore on the national economy. Signs must be clear and instinctively understood by drivers. Too many signs lead to confusion and high maintenance costs. The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2002 prescribes the designs and conditions of use for traffic signs to be lawfully placed on or near reads. Current legislation on signs does not preclude the common law duty of care. Court cases have led to oversigning. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has issued a 'clutter challenge' to local authorities to remove unnecessary signs. Oxfordshire County Council aims to avoid duplication, install more than one sign on one post and consider audits by CPRE. The DfT's 'Increasing understanding of traffic signs' found that public perception and knowledge of traffic signs varies. There are calls for a qualified traffic sign engineer to carry out a regular 'road sign audit review'.
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