Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/102

SIGNING PRINCIPLES

Informatory signs, as described in Sections D4.12 and D4.13, should be used where the temporary traffic management design identifies that there are likely to be traffic delays of two minutes or more or there is a need for specific driver information.

The logo panel on signs 7003.1, 7006, 7006.1 and 7007.1 may be varied in accordance with Schedule 16 item 40 of the Regulations. For major trunk road schemes both the sign to diagram 7003.1 at the start and the sign to diagram 7006.1 at the end should display the highways authority’s logo. The sign to diagram 7007.1 should be erected as indicated in paragraph D4.15.1.

Informatory signs, other than for future road works, should be installed as part of the temporary traffic management arrangement and removed on completion of the works or when no longer required.

For signs on adjoining Highway Authority roads, agreement will need to be reached with that authority on the need for the signs, their number and location.

The provision of informatory signs should be considered by the designer in order to provide the public with advance notification of works due to take place, to warn of possible delays, to explain the nature of the works and, as appropriate, to apologise for any delays or inconvenience caused. Advance signs could give travellers the opportunity to consider using an alternative route. Driver information signs are generally provided only on motorway and dual carriageway roads where there are major works, and should be used only where they can be sited safely and where they do not distract from or obscure warning, regulatory or other essential road signs. This is particularly important for signs within the works area. Some common information signs are:

A sign to diagram 7008 (see paragraph D4.15.5) must be displayed by statutory undertakers at their work sites at all times. This should identify the client or promoter and the contractor (if any) carrying out the work, together with an emergency contact telephone number. Signs must be sited where they will not cause an obstruction or be capable of being confused with another traffic sign. These signs are the responsibility of the statutory undertaker and are designed to be read by pedestrians, not by moving traffic.

Scheme information boards to diagram 7007.1 (see paragraph D4.15.1) may be erected to inform the travelling public about the works. Details may be varied as appropriate, but the inclusion of telephone numbers or email addresses is not permitted as these are likely to distract drivers’ attention for an excessive length of time. Signs should be erected prominently in advance of the works in both directions and at major intersections, provided that no conflict with other traffic signs or undue driver distraction will result. Wherever possible, signs should be erected within the existing or proposed highway boundary. Although traffic signs enjoy deemed consent under planning regulations, care should be taken to avoid indiscriminate siting of these relatively large signs. Local planning authority views should be sought and taken into consideration in such 101