‘PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY PEDESTRIANS’
Pedestrians using a resurfaced footpath have been left confused after signs appeared – asking them to “drive carefully”.
The two signs – one at each end of the resurfaced path between Houghton Gate and Bournmoor – were placed opposite the Dun Cow pub on the A1052 Primrose Hill.
Belonging to Durham County Council’s Highways Services, they feature the words “Wet Tar – Please Drive Carefully”.
Post office worker Lee Harris discovered the amusing signs as he was driving to Houghton Delivery Office early yesterday morning to drop off mail.
The 46-year-old, from Washington, said: “I couldn’t help but notice the sign on the footpath.
“When I came back I got out of the van and took a picture. “I just had to laugh. “It gives a whole new meaning to keeping cars off the road.
“You expect to see it on tarmac roads – but a sign on a pavement saying ‘please drive carefully’?.
“I know they are all cycle paths, but I don’t think cyclists consider themselves to be driving.
“I’m guessing it’s a ‘one size fits all’
“But it’s still a bit bizarre – it could have said tread or walk carefully.
“I had to smile and I hope others do the same.
“I think Durham County Council wants to have a rethink.
“I know its only recycling – pardon the pun – but they could have used a different sign.”
John Reed, Durham County Council’s head of technical services, said: “These signs are usually used to warn drivers when road resurfacing work has been carried out.
“They were the only signs we had available following recent resurfacing of footpaths in Bournmoor, but the message is essentially the same – to take care following resurfacing work.”