THEFT of road signs and manhole covers has surged, leaving the taxpayers in the region to cough up more money.

The amount spent fixing street signs and other items damaged by careless motorists and vandals rose from £12,284 in 2007/08 to £24,679 in 2008/09.

Although it fell in 2009/10, the cost of damage was still a worrying £21,173.

Only one seventh of the cost of the damage has been recovered from the culprits.

But part of the problem is triggered by motorists leaving the scene.

Rob Beales, head of better routes at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "In the last two years, we have seen a significant increase in costs due to the theft of aluminium signs and iron gully lids.

"We have been working with the police in an attempt to find the individuals responsible."

North Lincolnshire Council must fork out for damage caused to lampposts, signs and crash barriers.

Damage to bridge headwalls and pedestrian rail guards is also included in the costs. However, their costs pale in comparison to the massive £250,000 of damage caused to street signs on North East Lincolnshire's roads each year.

"It is very rare for motorists to own up to any damage caused," said Mr Beales.

"As such, we are left with our own investigations and that of the police to try and discover the offenders.

"Where we do, we will recover our costs."

A total of £3,500 for damage to signs and bollards and £1,100 for oil spills was clawed back in 2007/08.

In 2008/09, just £500 was recovered for damaged signs and in 2009/10, £3,000 was reclaimed for signs.

A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council said: "In all of the years in question, some inquiries are still ongoing – such as details of debtors' addresses, discussions with regard to the amount of invoices, discussions with insurance companies and details of debtors from the police."

When road signs are damaged, the council tries to find details of vehicles involved from the police and then details of owners from the DVLA.

The spokesman said: "Some damage occurs when we have no details of the vehicles involved and we then have to pay for repairs from the highway maintenance budgets.

"Some incidents are very minor in nature. It would cost more in staff time than the amount we could recover from the debtor."

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said: "We would ask anyone who has information to call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.