Signs posing threat to road safety

Monday,  January 23, 2006

According to Assistant Director of Planning Ron Sanderson the familiar signs and banners along the West Bay Road are a safety hazard.

“These illegal signs cause visual clutter and also pose a safety issue,” he said adding business owners should install permanent storefront or free-standing signage that have been approved by the department. 

“We want businesses to discontinue their practice of placing temporary signage in public areas such as roadsides, roundabouts and fencing,” said Mr. Sanderson. “We now have a compliance officer on staff, who may pose fines if unapproved signage is not removed.”

The department gave businesses some leeway after Hurricane Ivan, but now it is in everyone’s best interest to clean up the busy commuter and tourism routes, Mr. Sanderson explained. 

“Government and the tourism sector have invested millions of dollars to promote our Islands as a world-class tourist destination,” he said. 

“We want local businesses to seek Planning’s help in designing signage that is safe, effective and attractive.”

Besides being unsightly, temporary signage is a potential hazard for drivers and pedestrians, Mr. Sanderson said. 

“Sandwich boards are especially troublesome, since they stand low to the ground and are often placed near exits, where they block the sight lines of drivers and pedestrians.” 

Planners at the Department are available for consultation with business owners on the design and installation of new signage. Contact the planners on 769-PLAN or planning.dep@gov.ky.

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