Mirrors on the highway
Mirrors on private land
Mirrors creating a safety risk
Mirrors on the highway
Cyngor Gwynedd generally does not support the installation of mirrors on the public highway.
While concerns about visibility at junctions are understandable, national guidance and safety evidence show that mirrors can introduce new risks rather than improve safety.
These risks are outlined below:
- Mirrors can reduce drivers’ ability to judge the speed of approaching vehicles.
- Installation may lead to unreasonable reliance on the mirror.
- If the mirror becomes dirty (including misting), it can distort or limit visibility.
- Mirrors are often damaged by collisions or vandalism.
- Maintaining mirror alignment and cleanliness is a persistent issue.
- Mirrors can pose a hazard to other road users due to glare from sunlight or vehicle lights at night.
- Visibility of vehicles emerging from opposite junctions may be restricted.
- Relying on a limited mirror image may endanger other road users (pedestrians and cyclists) who do not appear in the mirror, especially in poor weather.
- Mirrors can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
- It can be difficult to position mirrors satisfactorily (especially at crossroads).
Criteria for considering the installation of a roadside mirror
- Collision data must show a direct link to visibility issues at the location to support any mirror installation.
- The mirror must not extend over the highway in a way that obstructs access for vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders.
- Where visibility cannot be improved by trimming or removing hedges, trees, walls or other obstructions, a mirror may be considered.
- Where a visibility improvement scheme is not practical, a mirror may be considered.
- Where the speed limit on the main road exceeds 30mph, a mirror may be considered.
In the limited circumstances where a mirror is installed, a review must be carried out approximately 12 months after installation. If it is ineffective or dangerous, the Council may remove it.
Mirrors on private land
Cyngor Gwynedd does not provide mirrors to install on private land.
Although Cyngor Gwynedd generally does not support the installation of traffic mirrors adjacent to the highway, a mirror may be allowed for private entrances with limited visibility where no other reasonable steps can be taken, and the following conditions are met:
- That the mirror is erected outside the limits of the highway and complies with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions.
- That the mirror is not a hazard to other road users due to glare from reflected sunlight or headlights at night.
- The mirror does not overhang the highway or obstruct the passage of any vehicles, pedestrians or equestrians.
- Permission from the affected landowner.
- The applicant pays all installation and maintenance costs.
- The person installing a traffic mirror may be liable if an incident occurs attributed to its installation.
Report a dangerous mirror
If you believe a mirror on private land is creating a safety risk, please let us know: traffig@gwynedd.llyw.cymru