Some 600,000 traffic signs on Dutch roads and motorways could be removed because they are unnecessary and can even create dangerous situations, three traffic organisations have told the Telegraaf.

‘The driver, cyclist and motor biker rider are so busy reading all the signs that they pay less attention to other road users, and that means you are not getting the desired effect,’ a spokesman for road safety body VVN told the paper.

The organisation estimates one in five traffic signs is unnecessary and can be safely taken away. It now wants local and provincial councils to reassess the number of traffic signs on their roadsides.