The signs were recommended to the City of Orange Traffic Committee as one of three possible solutions to councillor Sam Romano's request to stop drivers from pulling over where the verge was too narrow.

The three main sections were 400 metres between Anson Street and Clergate Road, 100 metres along the southern side of the road west of the Telopea Way traffic lights and 350 metres between the Escort Way and Molong Road.

Cr Romano said if cars needed to veer off in an emergency or for police, they could end up in a ditch, particularly at night.

"It's a very deep descent," he said.

A report to Orange City Council identified the ditches as table drains, designed to collect water run-off from the road and protect the road surface from damage.

"They are used extensively in rural situations and occasionally in some urban situations as a more cost effective alternative to kerb and gutter and piped drainage," the report said.

"In some places, due to limitations on the width of the constructed corridor, the table drains have become deeper as the adjoining pavement has been strengthened, which has also led to a decrease in shoulder width."

The other options were to lay pipes and widen the shoulders, estimated at a cost of $900,000, and wire ropes along the sections at a cost of $190,000.

POLL: Have your say below...

By comparison, no stopping signs would cost $5000.

The report also said widening the road shoulders in certain locations might encourage trucks to park and cause more flooding during storm events.

However, Cr Romano queried whether how far apart the signs would be spaced.

"Putting up signs would improve it, but I still think we should be careful - someone could tip off between the signs," he said.

The matter will return to the council.

Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...