Brighton couple cleans dirty road signs for online audience
Paul and Ruth Richmond-Watson use ASMR-style videos to document their hobby of removing grime from East Sussex traffic signs, a practice highways officials support with safety caveats.
By Adewale Fletcher ·
Paul Richmond-Watson and his wife Ruth, residents of Brighton, began washing roadside signs in Sussex in September. The couple documents the process using a handheld pump that dispenses pH-neutral biodegradable foam and a brush connected to a water source. They film the work with a tripod-mounted camera for a social media channel they named Filthy Signs ASMR.
The pair describes the activity as a therapeutic habit that aids their mental health. Paul, who previously worked in waste disposal, cited the sensory experience of scrubbing and watching dirt slide off as the primary motivation. He noted that the hobby provides a reason to leave the house. Ruth added that the initiative addresses a specific frustration they encountered while driving, which was the inability to read obscured signage.
Since starting the project, the couple has received recommendations from local residents regarding specific signs that require attention. They have also acquired equipment to cut back vegetation growing around signposts. Paul characterized the overgrowth as a major issue that has drawn frequent comments from the public. The couple stated their initial goal was to gauge public interest in the videos, and they reported receiving praise from followers.
East Sussex Highways acknowledged the effort but emphasized the risks associated with working near active traffic lanes. A spokesperson for the authority stated that cleaning signs by the side of a road can pose a danger. They encouraged the public to report dirty signs directly through the authority's website to ensure maintenance is performed safely. The agency manages nearly 50,000 signs on the county's road network and responds to reports where signs present a safety issue.
Hastings Borough Council also responded to the activity. A council spokesperson thanked volunteers for their efforts, stating that such actions create cleaner and safer neighborhoods. The council reiterated that residents should report damaged or obstructed signs to the relevant authority, noting that public reports help target maintenance work where it is most needed.
The couple continues to drive through the area to identify signs that meet their criteria for cleaning. They combine the physical labor of scrubbing with the documentation required for their online platform. Their method relies on specific cleaning agents to avoid damaging the sign surface while removing accumulated filth.
