Mysterious anti-driving road signs were spotted in Ealing last week, stirring up controversy with residents.

The road signs appeared official, but the messaging suggested otherwise, seeming to aim to raise awareness about the impacts of pollution and travelling by car.

More popped up throughout the week in the borough, with a "Joy Diversion" sign spotted near Lammas Park and another "One Waze" sign near to Northfields Station.

A few examples of sign messages included: "Traffic levels up 35% in 20 years. Expect delays", "Alternative Route. 66% of Ealing's car trips can be cycled in under 20 minutes" and, "Idling in Ealing emits toxic fumes. Switch it off."

Another stated; "ROAD CLOSED to childhood. Too many cars".

They generated a lot of discussion with Ealing residents questioning who put them up.

Ealing resident's group Better Ealing Streets was one group to deny responsibility for the signage, stating on Twitter; "To be clear this is not the work of @BetterEaling, but we are very impressed and would like to see more of this type of thing!"

Ealing Council has responded by saying that, although the message was important, the signage could be "misleading and confusing for road users".

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: "Cleaner air, more active travel and less dependency on cars and the resulting traffic congestion are important issues for local people and for the council. 

"But putting in place signage that can be misleading and confusing for road users and pedestrians can be potentially dangerous, so we would strongly advise against it.

"The council has put in place, and continues to introduce, a wide range of active travel measures to support residents to cut out shorter car journeys in favour of more active travel such as walking, cycling and scooting.

"We are also part of a London-wide anti-idling campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of switching off your engine when stopping for a prolonged period of time."

A spokesperson for Ealing Council added that it was understood the signs had already been removed before council officers attended to take them down, suggesting members of the public took matters into their own hands.