Cornwall Council has responded after drivers in Newquay criticised the installation of new road signs in the town which were obscuring views at roundabouts. Residents have taken to social media to air their concerns over the past week, with a number also contacting the council asking for changes to be to ensure the signs don’t cause any accidents.

Photographs have been posted on a Facebook page dedicated to Newquay clearly showing that the large signs have been placed in such a way that drivers’ views have been blocked at various sites in and around the town.

A passenger took a photo of one of the new signs on the Trevenson Road to Porth roundabout. The driver commented: “Great place to put a sign, can’t see till right on top of the give-way lines. Going to be few close ones here. Unless in a van or lorry you have obscured vision. Well done planning department.”

Other drivers were quick to add their comments. “Just ridiculous, l couldn’t see anything until l was right out on the roundabout, definitely needs altering before there’s an accident.”

“Accident waiting to happen,” said another, while a fourth driver commented: “Been waiting for someone to post about this. It’s just awful, so many near misses anyway and this just makes it worse.”

“They’ve also done it coming up the new road from Nansledan at Hendra roundabout. Stuck a massive sign just where you should be able to see traffic approaching the roundabout,” said another Newquay resident.

A photo was also posted showing a similar situation at the Quintrell Downs roundabout, with the poster simply saying “unbelievable”.

“I drove here today. Was on the roundabout before I could see anything coming from Kestle Mill. Whoever thought this sign, size and location was a good idea? I think a lot of changes lately are an accident waiting to happen,” another driver responded.

“That’s shocking. I cross that roundabout with my dog regularly and you really have to be on your toes enough using the pedestrian crossings around that roundabout because, as we know, some drivers have an aversion to using their indicators, and placing a ruddy great sign there which will obscure the view of drivers and pedestrians alike can only lead to the inevitable,” someone else commented.

We contacted Cornwall Council to see if it was aware of people’s concerns. A spokesperson replied: “We have been contacted by members of the public about this issue and will be reviewing the placement of the signs as part of the final stage of the road safety audit process.”

On the same day the council responded (Wednesday, May 28), the person who originally posted their concerns about the signs returned to Facebook to say: “Thanks to the person that reported to the highways department. Can now see over the top of sign [at the Trevenson Road to Porth roundabout] giving drivers adequate view of road to the right. One at Quintrell, West Road side, has also been lowered today.”