THERE are more and more things competing for the attention of drivers on East Lancashire's roads.

Increasingly complex traffic layouts and carriageway markings have to be negotiated as drivers struggle to avert their gaze from advertising hoardings designed specifically to attract them.

And as if looking out for other drivers, pedestrians and speed cameras wasn't enough to contend with, the number of warning and direction signs cluttering pavements is forever increasing.

These signs, along with the semi-official yellow ones which seem to point to everything from the newest supermarket to housing estate showhomes, add up to a bewildering clutter. And struggling to be seen among them are a fair number urging us to stay safe and drive more carefully!

Because of all this, it has got to be good news that Lancashire County Council is going to review the array of signs on our roads.

It wants to get rid of those which are outdated and see if the contents of several individual signs can be merged on to one to present essential messages more clearly.

At the same time, steps should also be taken to remove illegal signs which add to the confusion which unnecessarily disfigures much of East Lancashire's rural charm.