Objects on the highway (mirrors and advertisements)

Mirrors

Can I place a mirror on the highway to help me exit my property?

If we receive a report about a mirror placed on the highway within Staffordshire, this is likely to be classed as an illegal sign and we may seek to recover costs from adjacent landowners if we deem it necessary to remove any that are erected on highway land. 

As well of course as more widely known problems associated with headlamp dazzle, problems can also occur as a result of image distortion and particularly so during adverse weather conditions.

Condensation or water droplets that naturally form on exposed surfaces could mislead drivers into believing the route is clear when in fact it is not. In the event of an accident, the local highway authority could find itself in a position of being sued for alleged malfeasance or negligence if the mirror could be shown to have been a contributory factor to the incident.

Can I place a mirror on private land to help me exit my property?

We cannot stop you from placing mirrors on private land but there is some information below that you should consider.

The placing of a mirror brings with it issues that could affect road safety. The following may well arise from the placement of a mirror on the highway:

• Distortion of reflected image, glare from sunlight or headlamps affecting the driver’s vision. 
     
• Visibility issues during bad weather (rain, snow, frost). 
     
• Difficulty judging speed of an approaching vehicle from the mirror image.
     
• Maintenance issues - mirrors could be prone to vandalism therefore maintenance of their alignment and cleanliness is critical.
     
• Reliance on the mirror’s restricted image may compromise the safety of other road users (pedestrians and cyclists) who do not appear in the mirror. 

The use of mirrors is therefore not recommended.

A-board and advertisements

If you wish to have an advertising display on public land, you must consult with your local planning authority. They may require you to pay fees or make a formal application under local planning regulations.

Further details about a-boards can be found on our highway policies.