Mirrors on the highway

In recent years the Department for Transport (DfT) has authorised, on an experimental basis, the use of traffic mirrors at selected junctions in rural and semi-rural areas. However, we have no powers to approve the use of road mirrors on the public highway.

The sites thought to be suitable for this type of sign have been mainly T-junctions where traffic on the main road is travelling at speed and where the visibility for vehicles emerging from the side road is virtually nil. Most of the sites have an accident record related to the lack of visibility.

Road mirrors at private entrances

We are unable to approve the erection of mirrors at private entrances. Whilst approval is not required from the DfT for mirrors erected on private land, planning permission may be required from the relevant District Council. In addition, public liability insurance, in respect of the mirror, will be required in the event that the mirror is cited as a contributory factor in a road traffic accident.

Conditions

Before requesting a mirror, careful consideration should be given to improving visibility.

Where justified, the DfT will authorise a mirror on an experimental basis for 12 months. At the end of that period we, and the police, will be asked by the DfT to provide details about:

• The mirror's effectiveness in all weathers.
• Any complaints from drivers that the mirror is confusing.
• Any report of difficulty by a driver in judging both the speed and distance of reflected vehicles.
• Any problems with glare/sunlight/condensation/dirt or the need for the mirror to be cleaned.
• Any report of damage by accident or vandals.

If a satisfactory response is received to the above questions, the mirror may then receive permanent authorisation. Withdrawal of authorisation at one month’s notice by the DfT will still be possible if the conditions referred to above were to change.

Procedure

If you believe the site you are concerned with complies with the DfT 's criteria, please write to us and we will investigate your request and, if appropriate, seek approval from the DfT. If this is forthcoming, we will fund and arrange the supply and erection of the road mirror.

Any mirrors erected on the public highway without authorisation will be removed and any costs incurred recharged to the person responsible.

Mirrors are not permitted in urban areas:

• Because of the potential numbers of sites that would qualify
• The basic requirement that there must be high speed crossing traffic, would rarely apply at urban sites
• An increase in the speed of emerging vehicles could occur where drivers rely too much on the mirror
• Drivers may tend to concentrate on the mirror and ignore their immediate surroundings