Delays in the detailed design work for the signs, including at least one which will be vehicle-activated, have been blamed for the hold-up.

Petworth Parish Council was told in March the county council's timetable for the new signs was June or July this year.

But since then there has been silence – except for the persistent rumble of HGVs over the seven-tonne weight limit as they continue to use the town as a through route.

Drivers caught flouting the lorry ban, particularly if they are foreign, claim not to understand the existing signs diverting them on to the lorry route.

Parish councillors have also argued some of the signage is unclear, inadequate or wrongly-located.

Consultants hired by the county council have recommended that the replacement signs should be simplified, making routes clear and indicating that lorries with deliveries in the town should enter it only off the lorry route, via Angel Street.

They have also suggested increasing sign and text size where appropriate and improving visibility.

Early warning signs further from the town are also on
the list.

A county spokesman said this week the authority remained committed to the scheme.

A meeting was scheduled for later this month, when it was hoped to finalise a date to start the installation.

Petworth Parish Council would be kept informed, he added.


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