OREANDA-NEWS. Knowsley's multi-million pound street lighting and traffic sign improvement programme has been awarded a Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and Department for Transport Award.

The award, recognising exemplar schemes which have reduced sign clutter on roads in England, was given to Knowsley Council [near Liverpool] and SSE Contracting for their PFI street lighting and traffic sign replacement programme.

Excessive road signs have been found to have a detrimental impact on the environment and dilute important messages which have led to the Department of Transport relaxing the guidelines for Local Authorities.

The Knowsley project has taken the new principles into consideration as part of its replacement and maintenance programme, systematically reviewing every street and removing lights or signs which are no longer needed.

As a result the programme has removed over 1,344 signs from around half of the Authority's wards and de-illuminated over 230 traffic signs/bollards while ensuring essential warnings and directions for road users are retained.

Lisa Harris, Knowsley Council's Director of Regeneration and Housing, said: “The street lighting and traffic sign replacement project is a major investment for Knowsley and receiving this national award recognises a focused partnership approach, benefiting residents and tax payers alike.

“Our approach assists road users to absorb relevant information, improves the environment through fewer street signs, and makes best use of limited public resources through reducing ongoing energy and maintenance costs.”

John Bate, PFI project manager at SSE Contracting added: “Traffic management schemes which are managed and maintained well do not require excessive street signs and these awards help us shine a light on the benefits our project has brought to Knowsley.

“These include more clarity for street users, reduced lighting and maintenance costs as well as a positive impact on the urban and rural road environment.”

The CIHT Awards are run in conjunction with the Department for Transport, and are a celebration of the highways and transportation industry. This year the CIHT Awards took place on 11 June at the Royal Courts of Justice, London.