With harsher penalties for mobile phone use behind the wheel now in force, there's been a lot in the news lately about driver distraction.

But motorists arriving at this junction in Killerig, Co Carlow face plenty of signs vying for their attention in the run up to local elections.

Newstalk has obtained this photo taken yesterday, where drivers are greeted by no fewer than 14 election posters - many blocking the warning sign with the red and white stripes designed to alert drivers that a main road lies ahead.

The posters are located at the junction of the R418 and the R726, close to the Killerig Resort and Golf Club.

However, as the posters aren't blocking any regulatory signs, such as yield or stop signs, they may not be in breach of any legislation.

"From what I can see on the photograph the posters don’t appear to be blocking sight distances or visibility of vehicles on any approach," Brian O'Donovan, senior executive officer for Carlow County Council, told newstalk.ie.

"The degree of distraction to drivers is subjective but there is a possibility that they may represent a distraction to some drivers," he added.

Mr O'Donovan confirmed that Carlow County Council have removed posters in other instances. He added that guidelines have been issued to candidates to ensure posters comply with the law and that public safety is protected. The posters in this case have been referred to the Carlow County Council roads department for on-the-ground assessment.

The emergence of this photo comes as Dublin City Council litter wardens have been removing posters that are blocking traffic lights and other road signage around the capital.

It's against the law to erect any sign or notice that makes a traffic sign less visible to road users, under the 1961 Road Traffic Act. Department of the Environment guidelines advise candidates against placing posters on road signs, at traffic junctions or on roundabouts where they may cause road safety risks.