Research by the RAC found that 19% of drivers have experienced this problem, although a surprising 94% said they have encountered road signs obscured by branches, trees or hedges, while more than half (51%) said they frequently see signs hidden by vegetation.
Speed limit signs are among those most commonly affected, alongside stop and give way signs. The consequences can extend beyond unintentionally breaking the speed limit, with around 21% of drivers saying they missed a turn because of obscured signage, while 13% had to brake sharply. A further 5% said they had accidentally failed to obey a give way sign.
Vegetation growing beyond property boundaries can also affect visibility at junctions and roundabouts.
Four in five drivers (80%) said overgrown foliage had made it more difficult to safely pull out from a junction or roundabout. This can reduce drivers' ability to see approaching vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
The RAC is therefore urging homeowners to check their gardens as vegetation flourishes following the recent rain. Branches, plants and hedges that extend over a public road or pavement can create safety problems and may also result in a bill from the local authority. Under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, councils can issue a notice requiring vegetation to be cut back within 14 days, and if the work is not completed, the local authority can arrange for it to be carried out and recover the cost from the homeowner.
There can also be more serious consequences where vegetation deliberately obstructs a highway. Section 137 of the Highways Act allows for prosecution, with penalties potentially including up to 51 weeks' imprisonment or a fine of up to £1,000.
RAC spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “It’s concerning that so many drivers have broken the speed limit because they haven’t been able to see a road sign that has been obscured by foliage. And while a small number have accidentally ignored a give way sign, the effects of doing so can be catastrophic.
As many welcome the rain to give their gardens a much-needed boost after such a dry summer, it’s worth checking whether any plants, branches or hedges growing on your property spill onto a public road or pavement. Cutting them back to ensure signs are clearly visible, and pavements are free from any obstacles, goes a long way in ensuring the roads are safe for all.”
Drivers who encounter an obscured sign can report it to their local council. Where the problem is on a motorway or major trunk road, it can instead be reported to National Highways. The RAC also recommends using the FixMyStreet postcode search to identify the appropriate authority and report problems with obscured road signage.