Artist's sign show drives motorists mad

Artworks drive motorists round the bend
Last updated at 17:58pm on 22nd June 2007

Motorists are going round the bend after a barmy artist spent taxpayers cash on putting up ten random road signs at a busy junction.

The art installation - part of a series of outdoor shows which pocketed a £50,000 grant from the Arts Council - has been slammed as "ridiculous" and "dangerous" by drivers and transport chiefs.


The artwork, which includes signs such as one-way, mini-roundabout, no entry and 30mph, was erected on a busy ring-road in Ashford, Kent this week.

Driving instructor David Somerville, who regularly takes his pupils out on the road, said the art was causing havoc.

He said: "It is horrendous. If that is meant to be art it's a load of rubbish.

"The signs are totally confusing and drivers - especially learners - don't need additional distractions. That junction is confusing enough anyway."

Resident Ann Steare agreed, adding: "I have seen drivers slam on the brakes to stop and stare at it.

"They don't know which of the signs to obey. It is amazing that it was allowed in the first place.

"It's going to cause an accident if its not taken down immediately. It seems like any old rubbish can be called art these days."

The council said it was looking into the work by artist Michael Pinsky and the possibility of scrapping it altogether.

A Kent Highways Services spokesman added: "We are aware of the concerns about it being misleading and will be looking at the signs and their position.

"If necessary we will make changes to make sure they are safe."

Lost O, a series of urban interventions for the arrival of the Tour de France in Ashford, has won a £50,000 Arts award from Arts Council England.

According to judges the award will "transform Ashford's 1970s Ring Road into a series of connected quality streets which will reappear as the UK's largest shared space scheme".

A spokesman for the AA said: "Signs which are not officially sanctioned by the Highways Agency should not appear by the roadside, whether part of an art show or not."