Quirky signs have a serious message

5:15pm Friday 8th August 2008

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A high-speed road in the Dales has become a hotbed of home-made signs - all displaying a quirky warning message for motorists.

After witnessing several near misses as well as being aware of several actual accidents along the road through Chapel-le-Dale, local resident Albert Chapman has decided he can't sit around and wait for a fatality.

"This is a dangerous road and vehicles, as well as motorbikes, often travel too fast and overtake in dangerous places. I didn't think there was much chance of the county council putting more warning signs up so I thought I'd do it myself," he said.

Mr Chapman and his wife Sammy, residents of Chapel-le-Dale for 32 years, enjoy the outdoor life and often take mountain-walking holidays in India and Pakistan.

Four years ago he was in India and was amused to see a number of road signs that the Indian Border Police had put along the roadside.

"They were quirky signs with a serious message and I thought they were a really good idea. I've now recreated some of these signs using the messages the Indian Border Police had printed as well as some I've made up myself to fit in with the Dales," he said.

Drivers from Ingleton along the Hawes Road are now met with 18 different signs, all with a different warning slogan. They are in black letters on a white background and have been made for Mr Chapman by Vision Signs in Ingleton.

The signs with messages used by the Indian Border Police display such sayings as: "Overtakers beware undertakers", "Drive like Hell and you will soon be there", Life is short, don't make it shorter", "If married, divorce speed", and "Love thy neighbour, but not while driving".

Mr Chapman's contributions, including a sign sited on the roadside just as you leave Ingleton, state: "Chapel-le-Dale Road Safety Week" and go on to include: "Drink less ale, enjoy our dale", "Bikers tarry, enjoy the valley", "Drivers beware, sheep may be there", and "Lower your gear, a bend is near".

Mr Chapman has placed some of the signs at spots where drivers have gone through walls recently to further highlight danger spots.

"I don't know how long the signs will stay there. I am just hoping that while they are there drivers will take note. Hopefully they will do what they are intended to do and make people slow down and drive with more care," he said.

"Maybe the county council will take note and make some official ones of their own too."