The signs that are 29 years out of date
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Airport and highways bosses have played down the significance of some of the signs for the site on the M5 being 29 years out of date.
On the southbound carriageway, the directional sign at junction 11 still says ‘Staverton’ next to the symbol of an aeroplane, even though Staverton Airport was renamed Gloucestershire Airport in 1993.
Some motorists travelling on the M5 have wondered why the sign on the approach to the junction and one on the exit slipway have not been updated - as one on the approach to the junction on the northbound carriageway has.
The airport said it was aware of the matter and although it did not believe it had caused problems for visitors to the site, it was something it planned to put right in the future.
A spokeswoman said: “The airport was renamed from Staverton Airport to Gloucestershire Airport in the 1990s.
“This was in recognition of its increasing prominence as a business aviation centre for the entire county of Gloucestershire - and wider region.
“While the majority of signage around Cheltenham and surrounding areas says ‘Gloucestershire Airport,’ there are still some signs that say ‘Staverton Airport’ - including the sign at junction 11.
“Updating these signs are in future cap expenditure programmes, but the airport’s priority has been initially operationally-focused.
“Most people either use sat-nav to reach the airport or are familiar with the airport having previously been called Staverton Airport.
“We are unaware of anyone experiencing difficulties finding the airport.”
A spokesman for National Highways, which maintains the M5, said: “We’ve not had any issues raised with us about the junction 11 directional signage.
“It is simply a pointer to motorists to exit for Cheltenham, Gloucester, the airport at Staverton, and the A40.”