Directional developer signs (DDS)

1 Overview

A directional developer sign (DDS) is a temporary road sign that helps drivers find a new housing or business development. These signs usually have an arrow and the name of the development. They must follow the rules in The Traffic Signs Regulation and General Directions 2016.

You must have a DDS licence before you put up signs on a public road or private street. West Sussex County Council (WSCC) normally allow a maximum of 5 signs per development. We only approve more in special cases.

You must remove all signs as soon as the licence ends.

If you want to attach signs to streetlights, lit signs or bollards, you also need permission from Enerveo.

Different rules may apply on roads that are not looked after by WSCC. For example, National Highways manage the A27. You must contact the right authority for approval before putting up signs.

2 Sign regulations

Each sign must:

• have text at least 50 millimetres high
• leave at least 2.3 metres of space above footways
• show the licence number and end date on the back

You are responsible for making, putting up and maintaining your signs.

You cannot put signs on:

• roundabouts
• traffic lights
• pedestrian crossings
• motorway slip roads
• central reservations

You must make sure signs are safe for everyone who uses the road. They must not block any other road signs unless you have approval.

3 Licence costs and additional charges

A Directional Developer Sign (DDS) licence costs:

• £850 for up to 5 signs
• £250 for each additional sign

The licence covers a maximum of 10 signs. It lasts for up to 6 months. You can also apply for an extension of up to 6 months.

You must apply at least 5 working days before you plan to put up signs.

Fast track service

If you need approval quickly, you can use our fast track service. It costs an additional £52. 

We aim to process fast track applications within 1 working day.

To use this service, contact us before you submit your application. Send an email to highwayslicencing@westsussex.gov.uk.

Charges for unauthorised signs

If signs are put up without a licence, or if they stay up after the end of the licence, we will remove them. We will charge £50 per sign, per day until they are taken down.

You can find out if a sign has a licence, or when a licence ends, by checking the list of licensed developer directional signs.

4 Apply for a licence

5 List of licensed directional developer signs

West Sussex County Council keeps a list of approved signs. It shows all developer signs that have a licence.

The list includes:

• the licence number
• the name of the development
• where the signs are
• when the licence ends

The list helps keep roads safe. It stops too many signs being put up on roads and makes sure all signs follow council rules.