MEASURES to curb the growing trade in stolen road signs have been unveiled in Bolton.
The Highways Agency launched a scheme that will mean every vehicle working on the motorway network has to bear a sign showing it belongs to a registered contractor.
It is hoped the system will allow police to spot rogue vehicles who descend on roadworks to steal signs or electrical equipment to sell on the black market. The thefts are estimated to cost the Highways Agency £500,000 a year.
Andrew Winstanley, project manager of the Highways Agency, said: "The theft of aluminium signs is a growing problem and is costing the public in excess of £500,000 per year to replace them.
"This can lead to motorways being inadequately signed, for instance at roadworks, which can pose a risk to road users."
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