Mystery of missing M6 sign passed by millions solved after it vanished one day

It was believed to be one of the oldest signs on the entire motorway network
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


For nearly half a century, it stood as one of the UK's most enduring motorway icons.

Millions of M6 motorists have been familiar with the Keele Services sign for over 50 years, but time finally caught up with this piece of history. The sudden disappearance of the beloved sign caused quite the stir on social media, leading to an investigation into its whereabouts.

Due to safety concerns, the dilapidated and rusting blue and white sign was removed. However, it has now found a new lease of life at a transport museum, where it is celebrated for its historical value.

READ MORE: 'I was horrified at what I saw on the M6 the other day'

This particular sign was notable for its placement in the central reservation and is thought to be one of the oldest on the National Highways network, dating back to the mid-1970s. The mystery of the missing sign prompted National Highways' Matt Sparks to embark on a quest to save this relic from being lost to time.

His dedication ensured that the sign was not only saved from destruction but also restored and rehomed at the Aldridge Transport Museum near Walsall in the West Midlands, where it has been given a much-needed refurbishment. Matt, a member of the Network Occupancy Business Administration Team, realised the sign had to come down as it was rusting off its mounts, posing a danger..

He said: "There were two tasks, essentially. The first was to see if we could prevent the sign from becoming scrappage and, secondly, where could it go?"

The information sign for Keele Services
The information sign for Keele Services

With the help of colleague Richard Hancox, the Network Availability Manager for the West Midlands, the sign was eventually located, stashed away in a highways depot.

Matt contacted the Aldridge Transport Museum, which jumped at the chance to add the sign to its collection. He said: "Obviously there was a need to balance time and resources against outcomes so this could only have worked with everyone's understanding and buy-in. But many would agree that it would have been a shame if National Highways couldn't save this interesting artefact."

"Yes, it's looking old, and is a little outdated, but I was so pleased we were able to get it to the museum. After all, many millions have observed it over the last 50 years. I just hope they'll enjoy getting much closer to it, amongst all the other fantastic bits of history within the museum. You could say it truly is a sign of its time."

It now has pride of place in a transport museum
It now has pride of place in a transport museum

Martin Fisher, one of the museum's leads, said: "At Aldridge Transport Museum, we are delighted to have the Keele Services sign, donated by National Highways. It is the first motorway era sign in our collection and, like all the signs and notices we display, helps to put the vehicles in our collection into context."

"Our visitors like to feel that we transport them back in time with reminders of everyday sights from the past, and - being close to the M6 as we are - many will be familiar with Keele Services, so more memories will be triggered. The heritage is everyone's - we are just looking after it for now."

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