Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/150



The following very important points should be remembered when designing traffic management for works at or on any level crossing:
 * use of portable signals is only permitted under regulation 35, these may be used only when work in relation to that crossing is being carried out, and
 * when portable signals are used at a level crossing, they must be under manual control so that the operator can maintain the all-red period for a sufficient length of time to allow the train to pass.

The following very important points should be remembered when designing traffic management for works near any railway level crossing:
 * avoid blocking back at all times — where works are near to, but not on the crossing, designers should ensure that traffic cannot block back and stop on the crossing; care must therefore be exercised in the traffic control arrangements;
 * traffic control by means of "STOP/GO” sign boards — "STOP/GO” should be used at works that straddle a level crossing, or within 50m of the level crossing stop line where the level crossing is equipped with twin red flashing traffic signals; and
 * traffic controlled by means of portable signals — under no circumstances should portable traffic light signals be used at works within 50m of the level crossing stop line, even with works at 50 m or more from the level crossing, if it is considered that road traffic may block back to the level crossing, the traffic control should be by means of "STOP/GO” boards.

When the obstruction is on the left-hand side of the road approaching the crossing, the "STOP/GO" sign assembly on the exit side should be sited at least 25 m beyond the crossing. This is to ensure that the crossing signals are not obscured and also to allow sufficient space for vehicles to return to the left-hand side of the road beyond the crossing.

The traffic management arrangements for works at the various types of level crossing are set out in Plans SC14 and SC15. The plans illustrate traffic management on roads with a footway. Where there is no footway, the signs are to be placed on the verge. 149