Tasman District Council is urging people to report road sign vandalism after between 25 and 30 signs were intentionally damaged between Richmond and Wakefield in the past month.
The damage is expected to cost ratepayers about $10,000 in repairs and replacements.
A council spokesperson says the vandalism is not only costing ratepayers money but is also diverting resources away from other essential road maintenance work.
"Not only are ratepayers footing the bill for needless acts of vandalism, but it also leaves less money available for other important road maintenance work and takes valuable time away from other roading activities such as filling potholes."
The council says that attempts to link the vandalism to recent speed limit changes do not explain the extent of the damage.
"And before anyone tries to justify this by blaming us changing the speed limits, many of these damaged signs are not speed signs but stop or give way signs. Knocking down a stop or give way sign could have devastating effects on people travelling these roads, and there is no excuse."
Anyone who witnesses road sign vandalism is encouraged to report it to police or the council and provide as much information as possible, including vehicle registration details.
