A controversial electronic road sign that cost £20,000 to put up in Woodbridge Road was removed this morning after residents complained they had not been consulted.
The sign in Woodbridge Road, Rushmere St Andrew, is one of five put up across the main routes into Ipswich town centre as part of the Travel Ipswich scheme.
But residents in the road were not consulted on the decision, despite the sign being put up only around 10metres from resident’s homes.
Residents Mike Groom said: “They didn’t tell us it was going up.
“I have no objection to its use but why put it before a road junction and put it in front of homes?”
Seventy-three-year-old neighbour Margaret, who had been left distraught by the sign after it had devalued her property and caused light pollution into her living room, also welcomed the announcement of its removal.
“It really gets on my nerves, and we didn’t know anything about it. I am much happier, and it will be much better being removed.”
After residents had expressed their concerns, Suffolk county councillors for Kesgrave Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson lobbied the highways department to address the situation.
The sign was taken out this morning and will be relocated to a more suitable location in the new year.
Mr Whiting said: “I was concerned that this sign was erected in such an inappropriate location and with no consultation having been undertaken.
“I was happy to step in and ensure that common sense prevailed.
“I am delighted that the sign is being removed from this inappropriate location today.”
The signs, which were put up in October, totalled £100,000, and were designed to provide travel information on road closures, roadworks and other vital travel information.
However, the signs have drawn criticism for messages telling drivers to be aware of cyclists and to wear their seatbelts, and for diverting motorists’ attentions away from the road.
The other signs in Bramford Road, Felixstowe Road, Bury Road and London Road are all due to remain in place.
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