HIGHWAYS officials have been criticised for spending more than a quarter of a million pounds on road signs.

Six electronic signs have been installed around Worcester, telling motorists about congestion and road safety, at a cost of £280,000.

Worcestershire County Council received a Government grant to pay for the signs, but that hasn't stopped criticism from councillor Richard Udall.

At a council meeting, Coun Udall called on the county's cabinet member for the environment Derek Prodger to defend the decision.

Coun Prodger said the signs had been necessary to ensure the council fulfilled its duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

"The signs can give information about problems on any roads in Worcester city, such as if there is an icy road or, if we are doing roadworks, we can put the sign up saying where they are and to avoid it," he said.

He said the signs would be used between July and September, when the Powick bridge is closed.

After the meeting, Coun Udall said he still thought spending so much on the signs was "crazy". He said: "We are constantly being told there isn't enough funding for pedestrian crossings. The majority of the signs say it's dangerous to drink and drive. We don't need to be told there is congestion when we are already stuck in it."

The signs are in Whittington Road, Bath Road, Malvern Road, Bransford Road, Bromyard Road, and Droitwich Road.

Commuter Jeremy Clarke- Morris, who lives in Norton, said: "They are useful if there is traffic issues," she said. "For example today I saw we were told about the Powick bridge works. But I do question how useful they will be in the long run."

Fellow commuter Sharon Mills, of Stourport-on-Severn, said: "They will help to improve awareness of road safety and the services available in Worcester."

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