Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/270



Except when there are high flows on the minor road, control of side road traffic should be provided by manually operated "STOP/GO” boards. During the hours of darkness each sign face must be adequately illuminated by its own source of lighting; see paragraph D4.7.1. When manually operated "STOP/GO" boards are used, the "TRAFFIC CONTROL AHEAD" sign (diagram 7010.1) should be erected after a "road works" sign (diagram 7001) at every side road leading to an uncontrolled junction within a length of road controlled by portable traffic signals or "STOP/GO" boards. This procedure must be considered only when traffic being held at the signals will be visible to the joining traffic. These signs should be supplemented with convoy signs to diagrams 7025 and 7028, 100m and 50m respectively in advance of the junction and the "WAIT HERE" sign to diagram 7027, using the "STOP SIGN" sign variant of the legend, at the junction stop or give way.

For a minor road with high flows, where a suitable diversion exists for the minor road traffic, a road closure should be implemented to close it in the vicinity of the junction. Where there is no suitable diversionary route, the works should, if possible, be located so that the junction falls beyond the section of road subject to convoy working and signal control should be provided for the minor road flow. Where this is not possible, it may be necessary to consider the use of a convoy vehicle for the side road traffic to avoid unescorted traffic travelling through the works.

Experience has shown that the convoy system can be used successfully at slip road merges. See Part 2: Operations, paragraph O9.11.3.

The designer should include contingency measures in the design to allow the free passage of emergency vehicles through the convoy lane, after discussion with the local emergency services.

It is essential that the public are made aware of the reasons for carrying out the convoy method. Wherever possible the opportunity should be taken to detail the method of working and the benefits to the workforce and the public in local newspapers, local radio and TV. 269