More than 150 road signs have been damaged or vandalised on roads in Selwyn district, particularly in the Malvern area. Photo: Supplied / Selwyn District Council
A road safety expert has lambasted a surge in road signs being smashed and vandalised in Canterbury's Selwyn district over the past few weeks as "utter stupidity".
He says motorists are being put in increasing risk after more than 150 road signs were damaged or vandalised on local roads, particularly in the Malvern area.
The swell of sign smashing is putting pressure on police and local officials as tens-of-thousands of dollars worth of damage costs tick up for ratepayers.
Selwyn District Council said instances have surged since December, the recent headache estimated at more than $30,000.
Ninety percent of signs defaced include Stop and Give Way signs and other permanent warning signs, including "curve and intersection warning" signs.
Council head of operational delivery Gareth Morgan said a lack of new posts and the high volume of damaged signs had resulted in damaged posts being reinstated as a makeshift solution.
"While this may appear as a suboptimal solution, it ensures that the signs remain visible until our contractors can return with new posts and, in some instances, new signs," he said.
"Beyond the financial impact, damaged signs pose a significant risk to road users who rely on them for crucial safety information"
Automobile Association (AA) Canterbury/West Coast Council national chairperson John Skevington said the fact it was happening on country roads was even more dangerous.
"What have people got to gain?
"Maybe they need to sit and think about the consequences of removing signs in country intersections.
"They're hard enough to see at times anyway."
He suggested the culprits' actions could be putting their own family members at risk.
"What if [their] own family was hurt or killed just because of one of these stupid actions.
"The risk is horrendous, country intersections are getting a lot of attention at the moment.
"This increases the risk by about 80 to 90 percent, particularly in the dark."
The council said tampering with the signs could have "severe consequences" and lead to life-threatening situations.
The district's police were regularly reporting missing signs, but identifying those responsible remained a difficult task.
A police spokesperson said they respond to reports of wilful damage as they arise.
"Theft of or damage to road signs is particularly concerning, given the risk it poses to road users."