Hundreds of "negative and unnecessary" street signs could be pulled down in Adelaide under plans by a council seeking to reduce the "visual pollution" of the area.

The Charles Sturt council said the proliferation of signs, covering issues like dog waste and duck crossings, had gone too far.

Chief executive Paul Sutton told 891 ABC Adelaide the council would look to replace low-risk signs with friendlier messages, or try alternatives like painting on roads.

"What we're looking to do is go through a process where we remove signs where they're not necessary and where we've got signs that are more negative in their outlook, and probably not getting the cut-through that we'd like in terms of its message, replace those with [friendlier signs]," Mr Sutton said.

"We'll test the impact of it and the community response from that, and we would seek to then extend it across the rest of the city, but we're happy to be leading the charge on this one in South Australia.

"Signs are very easy to put up, but from time to time there's a need to reconsider some of those and look at pulling some down.

"Some of those signs determine how long you can park in a particular zone, the traffic control signs are things like keep left and give way.

"Many of those have to be put in place in accord with Australian standards and DPTI, but there are times where we've put over and above what's required."

Mr Sutton said the council came up with the idea after observing the impact signs were having on the city's landscape.

Council hopeful common sense will prevail

He said the Mosman Council in Sydney had done a similar project 12 to 18 months ago with significant success.

"We're very much looking to take a risk-based approach and sort of say, what's the worst thing that could happen?" he said.

"If they're in a zone or it might be a sign related to a school or a hospital then obviously that has a higher risk, but if it's something that's at the lower end of the spectrum, well what's the worst thing that could happen?

"Maybe if we remove the sign people will use good common sense and we won't have a problem."

Mr Sutton said removing signs would cost the council little at this stage, other than paying for staff members' time.

The plan will be put before council at its next meeting on Monday.