Traffic signs

All traffic signs (including bollards, retro-reflecting road studs and road markings), whether permanent or temporary, must be the size, shape, colour and type prescribed in The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997 (Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 2400) and any subsequent amendments. Other relevant requirements are included in the above Regulations and General Directions.

Traffic regulation orders and consultation activities

Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are required for cycleways and may be required for footpaths, to prevent motor vehicles or cyclists using them. They may also be required for certain traffic signs and road markings, such as zig zag markings at controlled crossings. 

Before the council makes a TRO, a public consultation must be undertaken. This gives members of the public the opportunity to raise objections. The time it takes to complete the process can vary. 

The council must also carry out public consultations for traffic-calming and other works on the existing highway such as provision of controlled crossings or shared cycleways. 

The developer is responsible for the cost of all consultation regardless of the success of the outcome.

Specification

All details of traffic signs must be shown, including their posts and foundations, on the traffic sign schedule sheets included in Appendix 12/1 of the council’s Specification. These must comply with Appendix 12/1 of the council’s Specification and the appropriate standard drawings.

Changes to Original Road Layout

Signs must be provided to diagram 7014 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 using the appropriate permitted variant on all approaches to a permanent alteration to the original road layout as soon as it is brought into use. Signs must be maintained for three months and removed at the end of that time.

The Electricity Supply to Illuminated Traffic Signs

Most illuminated signs will be fed by a low voltage Distribution Network Operator (DNO) or Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) electricity supply.  However, some signs will require a Highway Authority private supply (e.g. any sign installed on a traffic island).

All proposed equipment must be fully compliant with the council’s Specification and the Standard Drawings.

Theoretical cable calculations must be submitted (if providing private highway authority owned electricity supply), using suitable calculation software, to demonstrate that the circuit is electrically safe in accordance with the current edition of British Standard 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations.  Calculations must be submitted along with the drawings.

A schematic diagram (if providing private highway authority owned electricity supply) must be submitted showing where the supply for the illuminated sign (and any associated street lights) is taken from, along with the following information:

  • Cut-out information;
  • Fuse types/sizes in the supply;
  • Cable size used to provide the electricity.

If the council undertakes the detailed electrical design on behalf of the developer, the layout plan must show the locations of all signs that need to be illuminated.  The council will decide on the most appropriate electricity supply type and will show this detail on the street lighting design.

The developer is responsible for:

  • Arranging for the DNO/IDNO to provide electrical connections to the illuminated signs or, if that is not possible, arranging for the necessary Highway Authority private supply to be installed and connected;
  • Providing emergency contact details for the IDNO if the supply is taken from an IDNO source.  This will include the name of IDNO, full address, daytime telephone number, 24-hour emergency contact number and an email address;
  • Providing the manufacturer’s batch numbers for each sign post installed, ensuring that they are easily identifiable against the on-site numbering shown on the proposed layout drawings;
  • Providing electrical test certificates for all illuminated signs in accordance with British Standard 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations;

Paying for all materials/works to be undertaken, as well as the ongoing maintenance and electricity costs associated with the illuminated signs until formally adopted by the council.

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