by Justin Dunn

HIGHWAY experts in Wirral have started work on the largest overhaul of road signage the borough has ever seen.

More than 300 road signs are being upgraded or replaced as part of a £70,000 initiative.

Signs with directions, warnings and speed limit information are all being reviewed as part of the exercise.

The overhaul is aimed at improving road safety, reducing pavement clutter and ensuring that motorists will be able to find their way around Wirral easily - in readiness for The Open Championship in Hoylake this summer.

Director of technical services at Wirral Council David Green said: "Schemes that improve road safety are a high priority for this council.

"The Open Championship will see thousands more motorists on Wirral's roads making their way to the event at Royal Liverpool Golf Club this July.

"Many will be unfamiliar with the local area - and we've carried out this review of signage to make sure drivers can find their way about as safely as possible.

"We want motorists to be clear about the speed limit and alerted to any potential hazards, such as bends in the road.

"We've also used this exercise as an opportunity to tidy up our pavements, and remove redundant signs."

The scheme covers all priority routes in Wirral. Key 'A' roads that have already been reviewed and improved include Birkenhead Road, Market Street, Meols Drive, Grange Road, Column Road, Telegraph Road, Barnston Road and Brimstage Road.

Over the coming weeks traffic officers will be concentrating their efforts on main roads in Birkenhead and Wallasey.

Faded and damaged signs are being replaced with those using the latest reflective materials. This reduces the need for illuminated signs and improves the council's energy efficiency.

Wherever possible, separate signs are being merged on to a single column. This minimises clutter along Wirral's pavements, and reduces the risk of signs creating an obstruction.