Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/120

MOBILE LANE CLOSURE TECHNIQUE

Unless the MLC sign display panel is fully reflectorised in accordance with paragraph O10.7.4, it shall be externally illuminated by means of one or more sign lighting luminaires. It shall not be illuminated from the bottom alone nor from one side alone. The luminaires shall not obscure the sign display panel.

The illumination should be distributed evenly over the entire sign face and the luminaires used and the illumination of the sign display panel shall comply in all respects with BS EN 12899-1 and the illuminance should be at least 40 lux.

If the lighting would be visible to opposing traffic then signs should be fitted with light screens to avoid dazzling drivers approaching drivers or those on the opposite carriageway, as required by item 2 of the table in regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.

In order to avoid any problem with specular reflection, the sign should be fixed to the vehicle or trailer so that the top of the sign is tipped towards the front of the vehicle or trailer by approximately 5° in relation to the road surface on which the vehicle is standing.

All equipment should be checked to be in full working order prior to starting MLC operations, in particular, that the flash rate of the lanterns is in accordance with the values given in paragraph above, the lenses on the lanterns are orientated correctly, there is consistent brightness between lamps and that they are not too bright or too dim, and that the light sensor functions correctly.

The supervisor will need to communicate with individual members of the team during the course of the operation. In view of the distances involved, a reliable two-way radio communication system should be provided between all vehicles, including any contractor’s vehicles. A radio channel for dedicated use during MLC operations should be used, where possible. A plan should be prepared to deal with a loss of communication with the supervisor.

At least one member of the team, usually the supervisor, should carry a mobile phone for contacting the emergency services but this method of communication needs to be agreed beforehand with the police, and, if appropriate, with traffic officers.

MLCs are put into effect by driving a vehicle or convoy of vehicles in a particular sequence, displaying signs at the rear. The vehicle drivers should operate as a team, with a supervisor in charge of all operations, including the activities of contractors who may be carrying out works from their own vehicles with their own drivers; see paragraph O10.3.5. A deputy supervisor should also be appointed.

Normally the supervisor will require the team of drivers to report to the depot for final briefing and vehicle/sign/lighting equipment checks. All drivers, whether employed by the Highway Authority or by a contractor, should attend this briefing.

Drivers should then take their vehicles to a prearranged rendezvous where they will be instructed to space their vehicles out, on the hard shoulder if possible, at the requisite distance apart, each one moving as necessary to a prearranged marker post position. 118