Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/44

OPERATIONAL ISSUES For very short lengths of alternate traffic movement, manually rotated signs at one end or in the middle will suffice, but if the distance exceeds about 20 m, the control should be operated at both ends. If remotely-controlled signs are used, the distance of 20 m may be exceeded if a risk assessment has shown that the presence of an operator is not necessary for drivers to obey the signs. However, the operator shall have a clear view of each approach to the control points.

Where the obstruction continues round a bend or corner so that the operators posted at the ends cannot see each other, manually rotated signs should not be used. However if it is unavoidable for short-duration works or emergencies, then a third operator who can see the other two shall be placed at an intermediate point, or telephone or radio communication established between the two operators.

When more than one operator is employed, the operator showing "STOP" will ask the operator showing "GO" to reverse their sign when the queue of traffic on the approach to the "STOP" sign has grown unacceptably long. The first operator will continue to display “STOP” until the traffic already in the shuttle length has passed through.

Each sign should be so located that it is in full view of approaching drivers with adequate regard for the safety of operators, who should each wear a high-visibility garment; see Section O6.3.

During hours of darkness each sign face must be adequately illuminated by its own source of lighting; the use of reflectorised materials alone is not sufficient. Note that it is unlawful to use "STOP/GO" boards at night unless they are directly lit. As with fixed signs, illumination shall be uniform across the sign face and shall be steady. Partial illumination of sign faces is not permitted, nor is intermittent illumination.

The "TRAFFIC CONTROL AHEAD" sign variant to diagram 7010.1 should be used to warn that traffic ahead is controlled by the use of "STOP/GO" signs which are manually operated. It is not to be used to warn of traffic control by traffic signals. See Section O3.21.

"STOP/GO" signs must not be used in conjunction with priority signs to diagrams 615 and 811.

Where excessively windy conditions make a large sign difficult to handle the alternative smaller size may be used.

Operators of these signs should be suitably trained; see Section O6.2. Competence should be assessed, and training/instructions provided as necessary.

The "STOP-WORKS" sign (7031) may be used only to stop traffic for a short period during works on or near a road. It should not be used as a substitute for other forms of control. The sign should be used only at sites where the risk is assessed as being low. It must not be used on a motorway (direction 13(3)).

The sign must be double sided and mounted on a black/yellow banded pole (direction 41(5)), and must be held by the operator who should be wearing high-visibility clothing.

During the hours of darkness each sign face must be adequately illuminated by its own source of lighting: the use of reflectorised materials alone is not sufficient.

Two "STOP-WORKS" signs may be required in circumstances such as manoeuvring plant or works vehicles.

The conditions for use of the "STOP-WORKS" sign (7031) are dealt with in Part 1: Design, Section D5.9. 42