The crackdown is part of Nottinghamshire County Council's Building Better Communities initiative, which has invested £10,000 to pay for vehicles and labour costs to remove the signs.

Coun Chris Baron, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, kick-started the campaign on Monday alongside council highway officers by taking down illegal road signs on the A608 at Annesley.

And Coun Baron told Chad the importance of removing illegal road signs should not be underestimated.

"This campaign is essential for highway safety because motorists can get confused if these signs are obstructing genuine signs," he said.

"Sometimes signs are not secured properly and can endanger the public if they fall from a height.

"Last year 750 signs, predominantly house builder advertisements, were taken down over a one-week period in Gedling and Rushcliffe alone."

'Fined'

First-time offenders will be advised that they are acting illegally under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, but repeat offenders may be fined if they continue.

Added Coun Baron: "This campaign continues to be supported by local residents and county councillors from all parties and will extend to the rest of the Nottinghamshire."

• To report hotspots where there are illegal signs contact 08449 808080 or email bbc@nottscc.gov.uk, quoting the reference 'Illegal Sign Removal'.

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