Slapton Parish Council Management of Signage Guidelines

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 These guidelines aim to establish a clear framework for the procurement, installation, maintenance, and removal of signage by Slapton Parish Council.
1.2 The objective of these guidelines is to ensure that all signage erected within the parish boundaries is legally compliant, serves a clear public interest, maintains the visual amenity of the village, and uses public funds appropriately.
1.3 These guidelines apply to all councillors, council employees, contractors, and residents requesting council-funded signage.

2. Legal Framework and Jurisdiction

2.1 Public Highways: The Parish Council acknowledges that it does not have the legal authority under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to install regulatory traffic, speed, or parking signage on public highways or highway verges. This power rests exclusively with the Principal Authority (Devon County Council).
2.2 Parish Property: The Parish Council has the legal power to erect signage on land and assets it owns, leases, or manages directly (e.g., car parks, playing fields, allotments, village greens) under various Local Government Acts.
2.3 Private Property: The Parish Council will not fund, provide, or install signage on private land or private buildings.

3. Permitted Council Signage

The Parish Council will only consider producing and funding signage that falls into the following categories:

Statutory Notice Boards: For the publication of council agendas, financial audits, and official notices.

Asset Management & Safety: To outline rules, risks, and emergency information on council-owned land (e.g., “Playground rules,” “Vehicles parked at owner’s risk”).

Civic Identity: Village boundary “Welcome” signs and community maps, subject to necessary permissions from the Principal Authority if placed near a highway.

Community Information: Historical plaques, nature trail info-boards, and public rights of way waymarking (in partnership with the local footpaths authority).

4. Criteria for Assessing Signage Requests

Before approving the budget or installation for any new sign, the Parish Council must ensure the request meets the following criteria during a formal council meeting:

Public Benefit: The sign must serve the wider community or visitors, not the private interests of a single resident or business.

Authority: The council must possess the explicit legal right or written permission from the landowner (or highways authority) to place the sign.

Visual Impact: Signage must be minimal, clear, and designed to complement the rural character of the village, avoiding unnecessary visual clutter.

Maintenance & Liability: The council must account for the ongoing cost of maintaining the sign and ensure it is covered under the council’s public liability insurance.