Bridge Too Far? Council Fed Up with Chelmsford’s Comedy Sign Craze

Authorities are calling on individuals behind a series of spoof signs in Chelmsford to stop, warning that the humorous posts might mislead locals and create unnecessary confusion.

Over the past year and a half, a number of fake but convincing signs have surfaced across the city. The most recent appeared following an incident where a double-decker bus became stuck under a low bridge. That sign poked fun at bus drivers, and like others before it, was styled to mimic official notices.

Among the previous pranks were a sign promoting the return of Woolworths — a defunct retail chain — and another suggesting the council was offering snorkelling gear to navigate a frequently flooded underpass.

Essex Highways has responded to the trend, asking the public to refrain from posting imitation signs.

“While we admire the creativity and humour shown by this individual in Chelmsford, we ask people not to put up false signage. It has the potential to mislead and confuse residents,” a spokesperson said.

The latest spoof was spotted on a railway bridge near Chelmsford station, shortly after a bus became lodged under it in August. Other recent examples include a notice allegedly banning pigeons from congregating near Chelmsford Market — complete with made-up operating hours.

In January, pranksters installed a fake width restriction sign for boats beneath a railway viaduct, referencing a viral image of a luxury yacht that appeared to struggle through the arches.

In another case, eagle-eyed visitors to Chelmer Village Retail Park noticed a Woolworths logo had mysteriously appeared on the centre’s brand directory board in November 2024. While some shoppers expressed nostalgia for the iconic store, the centre confirmed the logo was not official.

Earlier in the year, Essex County Council clarified it had not distributed any swimming gear after a sign suggested flippers and snorkels would be provided for navigating a flooded underpass. Similar fake warnings later appeared, claiming rowing was banned in another regularly waterlogged tunnel.

Despite many of the signs being taken down, several remain in place — closely resembling legitimate council signage in both appearance and layout. The identity of the prankster or group responsible is still unknown.

Stephen Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council, hinted the signs may be intended as satire.

“It could be someone gently poking fun at the county council,” he said. “I wouldn’t encourage it, but it does seem to be a tongue-in-cheek form of criticism.”