Chaos for Leeds drivers as ‘Saturday night drunks’ steal vital …
Leeds City Council has been told that “merry” Saturday night partygoers are stealing roadworks signs in the city centre, causing confusion among drivers.
According to the council, there are around 70 signs across Leeds which warn motorists of the long-running works near the City Square. However, many Sunday morning drivers are being taken by surprise due to the lack of signs.
A scrutiny meeting on Wednesday was told the signs have been moved by drinkers. These works in the centre are set to complete next month.
This means there will be less disruption in the city centre, but Network Rail will continue to do their own works as the front of Leeds Station is being upgraded.
Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, Labour councillor Sharon Hamilton said: “Sometimes at the weekend some of those signs are moved by people who are merry, if that’s the word I can use.
“Sometimes the following morning people complain and say the signs aren’t there. Can we ensure that when we’re doing roadworks, the signs are checked following the merriment at weekends?”
In response, the council’s chief highways officer, Gary Bartlett said: “With all major schemes, as with City Square at the moment, (contractors Balfour Beatty) have a traffic management operating company whose role it is to manage the signs.
“I can check with colleagues to make sure that they are checking Monday morning and on Sundays. But they should be doing that as a matter of course.”