Apply for other highway direction signs

We are responsible for all permanent traffic signs on public roads.

Only we can install, or give permission for, permanent signs, in line with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and Department for Transport design rules.

We maintain a network of highway direction signs to towns, villages, and cities. In some cases, we can also provide Other Highway Direction Signs for destinations that do not fall into standard signing categories.

These signs:

  • Are not legally required.
  • Can only be provided where allowed by law.
  • Must be paid for in full by the applicant, including maintenance.

Separate applications apply to:

Destinations considered for other highway signs

Retail and business premises:

  • Generally not permitted.
  • Exceptions: where there is a genuine traffic management or safety reason and a significant number of visitors.
  • Tourism sign vetting procedure applies in these cases; applicants must pay all costs.
  • Otherwise, contact the planning authority for promotional signs on buildings or private land (with planning consent).

Venues usually eligible for small local direction signs:

  • Schools
  • Churches
  • GP surgeries
  • Village halls (evening events and meetings considered)
  • Supplementary plates with village nameplates (e.g., “Please Drive Slowly” or “Best Kept Village”)
  • Remote village stores providing multiple community functions (e.g., Post Office or parcel collection hub)
  • Hospitals
  • Government agencies such as RAF bases
  • Weighbridges
  • Car parks
  • Large service areas
  • Any other venue the local highway authority considers suitable

Not normally considered:

  • Retail or business premises (unless there is a genuine traffic management or safety reason and high visitor numbers – tourism sign criteria applied)
  • Health and medical facilities – expected to provide maps and directions directly.
  • Club names – use the type of venue instead (e.g., “Bowling Green”).
  • Petrol filling stations and EV charging points, unless part of a large service area complying with regulations.

If your venue isn’t listed, email signsandlines@lincolnshire.gov.uk to ask for consideration.

Qualifying criteria

Venues must:

  • be open to the public without pre-booking.
  • not be primarily for retail purposes (except under special tourism criteria).
  • have adequate parking for vehicular signs; pedestrian signs may be considered if no parking is available.

Additional considerations:

  • Signs are provided only in the latter stages of a journey, where a venue is difficult to locate.
  • Signs will not be approved for promotional or advertising purposes.
  • Direction signs should complement existing directions on websites or promotional materials.
  • Village nameplate supplementary plates must be inside the parish boundary, before any property with a postal address.
  • Car park names are rarely used; standard “P” symbols are preferred.

Extent of signing

  • Other Highway Direction Signs are normally provided only in the latter stages of a journey and where a venue is difficult to locate.
  • Signs will not be approved at locations considered to be solely for promotional or advertising purposes.
  • Direction signs must complement existing directions provided for visitors on websites or included on promotional material.
  • Signs are normally not provided from main roads if the village or town is already signed.
  • Minimal wording – no straplines, slogans, or promotional text.
  • Signs consider environmental factors including:
  • Conservation areas
  • Rural settings
  • Trees, listed buildings, and key views
  • Any known Signing Strategy documents for the area will be followed to align with parish or town council wishes.

Decision making

  • Applications are reviewed by the Traffic Signs Asset Manager.
  • Decisions are based on national legislation, local policy, and strategic reasoning.
  • All decisions are final.
  • Signs may be amended or removed at any time.
  • Any unauthorised changes may result in removal.

Fees and costs

All applicants pay fees; there are no exemptions, including charities or public bodies.

Applicants cover costs for:

  • Design
  • Manufacture
  • Installation
  • Maintenance

Payment structure:

  1. Design fee: £100 per approved location. Covers:
    • Site investigation and hazard/risk assessment
    • Checked and approved design drawings
    • Location plan
    • Quotation for supply and erection, including traffic management if required
  2. Works cost: typically around £500 per sign; payable before the contractor begins work

Signs remain council property. Replacement of damaged or stolen signs may require a new application and payment under current criteria.

Time frames and maintenance

Time frames

  • Manufacturing and erection typically take around 8 weeks from payment of works.
  • Work is completed by our term contractor following all health and safety procedures.

Sign maintenance

Signs may be removed if:

  • The venue closes
  • The venue no longer meets qualifying criteria
  • The sign is altered without consent

The council reserves the right to amend or remove any sign at any time.

Application process

  1. Initial enquiry: Email signsandlines@lincolnshire.gov.uk to discuss your request and eligibility.
  2. Informal consultation: The council may consult relevant parties before formal application.
  3. Formal application: Submit online once agreed in principle. Design drawings will be shared after the design fee is paid.
  4. Payment of works cost: Required to confirm order.

Note: The council will not chase payments. Applications inactive for more than 6 months will be closed.