A "significant number" of forecourt price signs in the UK are vulnerable to windy weather because of flawed foundations, and could cause fatal accidents, installation and maintenance company Xmo Strata has warned.

Xmo Strata boss Steve Martin said he could put a precise figure on the number of signs affected, but anecdotal information fed back by crews through the company’s project management system was building a picture that should focus minds in the industry.

He said: "We’re not suggesting that there should be any degree of alarm about this but if a sign is brought down by the wind, as sometimes happens, anyone standing in the way is unlikely to survive.

Xmo Strata crews attended several signs this winter which posed a potential threat to site staff and customers.