Councillor Criticises £7,000 Duck Warning Sign as 'Ridiculous' Waste of Public Funds
A local councillor has launched a scathing attack on a £7,000 temporary road sign warning of ducks crossing, branding it a "ridiculous" waste of taxpayer money after claiming he has never seen a duck in the area during his 25 years of residence.
'I've Never Seen a Duck Here' Claims Long-Term Resident Councillor
John Knott, who represents St Michael's Ward on Castle Point Borough Council in Essex, expressed astonishment at the installation of the duck crossing sign on Daws Heath Road near Southend-on-Sea. The councillor stated emphatically that the location lacks any ponds or water sources that would attract ducks, making the warning sign completely unnecessary.
"I've lived here 25 years and I've never seen a duck cross the road," Cllr Knott told the BBC. "We've got no ponds, there's no water, it's ridiculous."
Residents Treat Sign as 'Running Joke' Amid Cost Concerns
The councillor revealed that local residents have been left "incredulous" by the installation, with many treating it as a "running joke" in the community. Knott emphasised the substantial cost involved, questioning the expenditure on what he described as a "wrong" sign that serves no practical purpose in the area.
"This is a huge amount of money for what is a wrong sign," Knott stated. "Residents are amazed; it's become a running joke, and everyone says there are no ducks in Daws Heath. People are incredulous."
Highways Authority Defends Sign as Necessary Safety Measure
Essex Highways, responsible for road management in the area, has defended the installation of the temporary wildlife warning sign. A spokesperson explained that ducks frequently cross at this particular location due to its proximity to a nature reserve, making the warning necessary for both road user safety and wildlife protection.
The authority emphasised that ensuring road users are "aware of potential hazards" and keeping surrounding wildlife safe represents "an important part of our duty." Warning signs are only installed following thorough assessment processes including safety surveys, resident reports, and recommendations from highways officers.
Broader Context of Road Safety Spending Debates
This controversy emerges amid wider discussions about road maintenance and safety expenditure across the UK. While some residents and local representatives question specific allocations, highways authorities maintain that proactive measures to prevent accidents involving wildlife represent responsible use of public funds.
The temporary sign remains in place on Daws Heath Road as the debate continues between local representatives questioning its necessity and highways officials insisting on its safety value for both motorists and local wildlife populations near the nature reserve.
