Warning issued to those who damage or vandalise 20mph signs

A warning has been issued to those who damage or remove 20mph signs in the county borough.

The signage was installed in September as part of the Wales-wide introduction of a default 20mph speed limit.

The controversial change from 30mph to 20mph on many residential roads has not been without its problems.

In the three months since its introduction, signs in Wrexham and across Wales have been defaced, vandalised and in some cases, removed.

A petition calling for the Welsh Government to revoke the 20mph speed limit has also more than 466,000 signatures.

Now those who vandalise or remove the signage are being warned that they face police action if caught.

Eastern Area Superintendent, Jon Bowcott said: “Defacing and damaging road signs is a criminal act and can put road users in danger.

“Those responsible for this mindless vandalism are endangering themselves – as often the targeted signs are located in rural locations with little or no street lighting.

“Road signs are an essential component of transportation infrastructure that provide important information to all road users, and the ongoing vandalism in some areas is adding confusion amongst motorists.

“North Wales Police will take action against anybody found to be deliberately defacing and damaging road signs.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for environment, added: “It has been disappointing to see these road signs being damaged, and we take the matter very seriously.

“Vandalising or removing the signs creates a safety issue for residents and the consequences for those carrying out damage can also be very serious; interfering with traffic signs is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 and a person could be found liable for any accidents caused by their criminal actions.”

Anyone wishing to report a defaced/missing sign email Wrexham Council with the location of the sign at [email protected].