Released on: June 30, 2011, 11:05 am
Author: Confused.com
Industry: Financial
Confused.com has designed a new road sign, specifically to alert road users to the UK's two million potholes*. The road sign is the first of its kind and the car insurance expert is petitioning to urge the Department for Transport to introduce it to roads across the UK.
A constant source of frustration for drivers, the sign has been developed in response to recent findings that even with sufficient budgets; it would take councils at least 11 years to repair the UK's damaged roads**. With this in mind, 82% of drivers would like to see a road sign dedicated to potholes.
Mike Hoban, chief marketing officer at Confused.com said: "Although repairing these roads is obviously the long term solution, something needs to be done now. Currently the UK's road signs include warnings for wild horses, wild animals, cattle and even toads but potholes aren't considered worthy enough? A pothole road sign is a vital step in preventing accidents and reducing insurance claims whilst road maintenance continues."
The road sign design was inspired by local pothole crusader Ted Relf, a plumber from Kent, who made national headlines in April 2010 when his home made warning sign against potholes was removed by the local council.
Ted Relf commented: "We all moan about potholes and now we have the chance to do something about them. I created my own pothole sign last year because I was concerned for the safety of drivers on my road. I fully support the introduction of an official pothole road sign and urge the nation to sign the petition at Confused.com."
The pothole road sign has been produced in accordance with the signage guidelines set by the Department for Transport and is the brainchild of Phil Baines from Central St Martins, University of the Arts London. Baines, designer and signage expert, added: "Warning road signs are there as a safety measure to warn drivers of potential dangers, and potholes certainly fall within that category. Given the scale of the current problem I would welcome a specific pothole sign being added to the Traffic Sign Manual."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
*ALARM Survey 2011
** ALARM Survey 2011
About Confused.com:
Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services.
Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded
its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include car
insurance, cheap car insurance, car insurance for women, car insurance over 50, home
insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance,
breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit
cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.
Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service.
By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based
solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their
decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance
products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com's service is based
on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.
Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA
Contact Details: Confused.com press office
Helen Beckett
Confused.com
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www.confused.com