Tory MP Mark Pritchard has called on ministers to ban road signs in foreign languages, such as those in Polish on the Shropshire border.
The Wrekin MP said the money would be better spent on replacing ageing English signs and improving traffic signs outside schools.
Confused motorists negotiating roadworks near Whitchurch were left wondering where they were this month after spotting the Polish signs at the side of the road.
They were put in place by Cheshire County Council as part of a £1.5 million roadworks scheme to upgrade the A49 Whitchurch Road from Ridley to the Cheshire and Shropshire border.
Mr Pritchard said: “Local communities are right to question why local authorities seem to be able to find funds to erect signs in foreign languages but have little money left to erect English signs.
“It also does nothing to promote or encourage social and community cohesion.”
Mr Pritchard has asked Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly what guidance she has given councils.
“We often see local businesses or tourist attractions refused a sign because of concerns about clutter, yet there seems to be enough room to put up signs in foreign languages,” he said. “This is inconsistent and unfair.”
Mr Pritchard said he had no problem with bi-lingual road signs in Wales.
“That is entirely different given that Wales is a nation within the United Kingdom,” he said.
2 Comments
I think we should have a sign for every language known to exist on this planet, just so people don’t feel left out. That would be roughly 6,800 signs per junction. Money well spent, eh? Alternatively, we could just stick with the official language of the country, which makes much more sense…
I am Polish and I agree that signs should be only in English. Advertisemetns on streets in Polish: OK because it is paid by companies but road signs: no.