Soft verges Road safety sign - 3mm Aluminium sign fitted with 2 strips Channel to rear for mounting on post 300mm x 300mm

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The general rule of law relating to the extent of the space subject to the public right of passage was stated in Regina v United Kingdom Electric Telegraph Co Ltd (1862) 26 JP 390, by Martin B, as follows: In the case of an ordinary highway, although it may be of a varying and unequal width, running between fences on each side, the right of passage or way prima facie, unless there be evidence to the contrary, extends to the whole space between the fences, and the public are entitled to the use of the entire of it as a highway, and are not confined to the part which may be metalled...a permanent obstruction erected on a highway, placed there without lawful authority, which renders the way less commodious than before to the public, is an unlawful act and a public nuisance at common law... Temporary warning and traffic signage, as outlined by Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual 2019, must be installed when carrying out work on public roads. This WK074 Soft Verge sign warns road users of a soft verge. Where it is considered necessary to warn road users of soft verges, WK074 Soft Verge, may be erected. This WK074 Soft Verge sign is: Soft verges mean that it is not firm on the left of the road. Therefore there is a risk of falling when you are driving and you should take care because it is not firm and you cannot see what is underneath. Soft verges mean that there is no danger on the road so your speed must be lowered. Every EcoGrid has its own axle loading capacity with our EcoGrid E50 having a massive 1000 tonnes plus capability when filled with an angular aggregate, ideal for highways where a tough robustly tested product is a must.

S142 (1) Highways Act 1980. The highway authority for a highway may by a licence granted under this section permit the occupier or the owner of any premises adjoining the highway to plant and maintain, or to retain and maintain, trees, shrubs, plants or grass in such part of the highway as may be specified in the licence.The cases cited above were considered in Harvey v Truro Rural Council [1903] 2 Ch 638 by Joyce J who in his judgment said: In the case of an ordinary highway running between fences, although it may be of a varying and unequal width, the right of passage or way prima facie, and unless there be evidence to the contrary, extends to the whole space between the fences, and the public are entitled to the entire of it as a highway, and are not confined to the part which may be metalled. All the ground that is between the fences is presumably dedicated as highway unless the nature of the ground or other circumstances rebut that presumption...It is an established maxim that ‘once a highway, always a highway’. The public cannot release their rights. Mere disuse of a highway cannot deprive the public of their rights. Where there has once between a highway no length of time during which it may not have been used will preclude the public from resuming the exercise of the right to use it if and when they think proper. Even if the highway authority had actually consented to any obstruction or encroachment upon the strip being part of the highway, such consent could not legalise that which was otherwise illegal… The question as to the extent of the space subject to the public right of passage depends upon the evidence in each particular case as to the nature of the district, the width and level of the margins, the regularity of the lines of the fences and other relevant circumstances. Countess of Belmore v Kent County Council [1901] 1 Ch 873.

The legal remedies available to local authorities are described in Rights of Way – a guide to law and practice (John Riddall and John Trevelyan, 4th edition, 2007). The general principle of law relating to the ownership of the soil of such strips was stated by Gibbs CJ in Grose v West (1816) 7 Taunt 39, in the following words: Prima facie, the presumption is, that a strip of land lying between a highway and the adjoining close, belongs to the owner of the close; as the presumption also is that the highway itself to the centre line of the road does. But the presumption is to be confined to that extent; for if the narrow strip be contiguous to or communicate with open commons, or larger portions of land, the presumption is either done away or considerably narrowed; for the evidence of ownership which applies to the larger portions, applies also to the narrow strip which communicates with them. A highway authority may attach to any such licence such conditions as they consider necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers in the highway and to prevent traffic [‘traffic’ includes pedestrians and animals, s329 Highways Act 1980] therein being delayed, to prevent any nuisance or annoyance being caused to the owners or occupiers of other premises adjoining the highway. Verges often provide a soft turf surface of value to equestrians who would otherwise be limited to using a metalled road which is often unsafe and sometimes of a character unsuitable for horses. Road edge erosion from rainwater, stormwater and heavy vehicles makes the road narrower and presents a flood risk.

It's common to see this sign in rural areas and where the road is pretty narrow. If you are driving in a country lane, then you should see this sign often. The police are more likely to put up the "soft verges" sign than some other drivers. When did this sign first come into action? Andersonreport• Worboysreport• TrafficSignDesign• TSRGDandTSM ( Motorwayalphabet• Transportalphabet)• GuildfordRules Diagram 556.1 provides warning to road users of soft verges on the side of the road. This reduces the likelihood of the vehicles pulling over and banking out on the road side. Local Acts of Parliament Some local authorities have their own private acts that give them powers to control or manage roadside verges and restrict the right of passage by certain categories of user. Ask the legal department of your county authority if such an act exists for your area.