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Sometimes a 'blind exit' from a property is dangerous - for both the driver emerging and those travelling along the main road. Whilst a mirror located on the main road may well help those joining the road, unfortunately a mirror is legally an obstruction on the highway so cannot be put up without the express permission of the Department for Transport. There are two further concerns:

• the lights from a vehicle emerging from a private access may shine onto the mirror and reflect into the eyes of an approaching motorist, causing considerable confusion and possibly an accident; and
• the emerging driver may rely on the mirror, even though it might have become obscured or no longer be visible.

Some property owners request a sign where their entrance is hidden from the main road. However, the Traffic Signs Regulations Manual makes no provision for such a 'concealed entrance' sign and, therefore, there is nothing that can be legally provided by the Highway Authority to help in such situations. 

The first course of action that may resolve the situation would be the removal or lowering of adjacent hedges to improve visibility. If this course of action fails to achieve reasonable visibility then the Highway Authority may be prepared to apply to the Department for Transport for authorisation of a mirror (this would be at no cost to the Highway Authority). Authorisation is generally forthcoming subject to all of the following conditions being met:

• the site must be rural or semi-rural where traffic on the main road is travelling at speed;
• mutual visibility is virtually nil (i.e.: the driver of the vehicle leaving the property and the driver of the vehicle on the main road cannot see each other’s vehicle until they are almost next to each other);
• an improvement scheme is not possible;
• visibility cannot be improved by the removal or setting back of fences, hedges, wall or trees;
• the speed limit is above 30 mph; and
• a mirror would serve a single property.

A mirror would not be permitted where it would encourage a significant number of people to rely solely on it for visibility purposes. If, after assessment, it is considered that the criteria are met, our Area Office will apply to the Department for Transport for authorisation to put up a mirror on the highway. A mirror is paid for by the homeowner where it is put up opposite a driveway. Authorisation is given for an initial period of 12 months after which a review is carried out based on reports from the Local Highway Authority and Police covering such aspects as:

• the mirror’s effectiveness in all weathers;
• complaints from drivers that the mirror is confusing (distorted images can give the impression that a vehicle is straight ahead when it is around the corner);
• reports of difficulty by a driver in judging either speed or distance of reflected vehicles;
• problems with glare or sunlight;
• damage or vandalism; and
• whether it has been necessary to clean the mirror.

The Department for Transport stress that mirrors should not be regarded as substitutes for normal good practice based on the provision of adequate levels of mutual visibility. The County’s stance on mirrors are that are sited off the highway (on private ground), and subject to the land owners agreement, is that we will not interfere unless we receive complaints similar to those outlined above.

For further information please contact Andrew Ross  01244 973926.