Newport Council's Formal Council Questions and Responses meeting on 25 September 2025 addressed concerns about the budget, backlog, and lifespan of street signs in the Bishton and Langstone areas. Councillor R Howells, Cabinet Member for Assets & Infrastructure, provided updates on the street sign replacement program, including budget allocations, the number of signs replaced, and prioritisation criteria.

Street Sign Replacement Program

Councillor Andrea Mogford raised concerns about the slow progress of street sign replacements in the Bishton and Langstone ward, despite a previously announced budget increase. Councillor Mogford asked for specific details regarding the street sign replacement program, including:

• The total budget for street signs in the 2025/6 financial year.
• The current backlog of street signs needing replacement.
• The number of signs replaced so far this year (up to the end of August 2025).
• The remaining budget and the expected number of additional signs to be replaced this financial year.
• The criteria for prioritising street sign replacements.
• The lifespan of modern street signs and any efforts to improve their resistance to fading.

Councillor R Howells responded that the total budget for street sign replacement in the 2025/26 financial year is £60,000, comprising £10,000 of council funding and £50,000 from Tidy Towns grant funding. There is a current backlog of 400 signs needing replacement. To date, 36 signs have been planned for replacement, with an additional 175 planned for replacement this financial year.

Prioritisation for street sign replacement is based on the Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP), focusing on missing signs and safety-critical defects.

Councillor Howells stated that all signs comply with relevant standards and guidance, with an estimated lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on the location.

Councillor Mogford noted that a resident had successfully repaired a faded street sign using black vinyl letters, which had remained in good condition for many years.