Almost a fifth of drivers say overgrown plants have caused them to speed

Nearly a fifth of motorists (19 per cent) have unintentionally exceeded the speed limit because overgrown greenery obscured a road sign, according to a survey.

The research, commissioned by the RAC, revealed that 94 per cent of drivers taking part had encountered signage covered by overhanging trees, branches or hedges. Furthermore, more than half of those polled (51 per cent) reported seeing obscured signs on a frequent basis.

The issue also impacts general road safety, with four out of five respondents (80 per cent) stating that untamed plants made pulling out of a junction or roundabout safely difficult. The signs most commonly affected by the foliage include speed limit warnings, stop signs and give way signs.

Uncut vegetation has caused 21 per cent of drivers to miss a turn, 13 per cent to brake sharply and 5 per cent to inadvertently ignore a give way sign, according to the figures.

The motoring services company has advised property owners to check whether any plants growing on their land have spilled on to public roads or pavements. It added that trimming them back to keep signs visible and pathways clear "goes a long way" in maintaining road safety for everyone.

The RAC commissioned research company Online95 to conduct the survey of 1,412 UK drivers in August.

RAC spokeswoman Harriet Hernando said: “It’s concerning that so many drivers have broken the speed limit because they haven’t been able to see a road sign that has been obscured by foliage.

“While a small number have accidentally ignored a give way sign, the effects of doing so can be catastrophic.

“As many welcome rain to give their gardens a much-needed boost after such a dry summer, it’s worth checking whether any plants, branches or hedges growing on your property spill on to a public road or pavement.

“Cutting them back to ensure signs are clearly visible, and pavements are free from any obstacles, goes a long way in ensuring the roads are safe for all.”

The RAC warned homeowners that councils could ask them to remove their unpruned trees, hedges or shrubs if they are blocking a public road or footpath.

A failure to do so could result in a possible fine, something more than half (58%) of survey respondents were not aware of, according to the motoring services company.

Road signs that are obscured can be reported to the council or National Highways if they are on a motorway or major A-road.