You must get permission from us before erecting temporary traffic signals on the highway. It is the responsibility of the contractor carrying out the work to contact us.
Temporary traffic signals are traffic lights that are in position temporarily, normally to direct traffic whilst roadworks are being carried out.
Sites near permanent traffic signals
If temporary traffic signals are near permanent traffic signals, you will also need to contact Transport for London on 0843 222 1234 to submit a request to shut down permanent signals.
Your responsibilities
You (the applicant) are responsible for all temporary traffic management, planning the work and risk assessments. When planning the work you must take into account site-specific factors such as schools, zebra crossings, signalised pedestrian crossings, bus stops, traffic signal junctions and commercial and industrial activity.
The operator of the temporary traffic signals is responsible for adjusting green times at sites that are subject to high traffic flows to minimise delays and balance queues.
Requirements
- Public liability insurance cover of £10 million minimum.
- Street works accreditation under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
- The operator of the temporary traffic signals must comply with DfT booklet Introduction to the Use of Portable Vehicular Signals
The application must be received a minimum of 7 days before the signals are to be installed. On traffic sensitive roads 21 days notice may be required.
The operator must immediately notify us of any changes to their proposals and any change of information supplied on the application form.
All applicants must submit a plan clearly showing signal head positions, area of work and signage. All plans must be to scale.
All applications must be filled in correctly with dates, location and emergency contact number.
The plan must clearly show if there are any pedestrian facilities or permanent traffic signals that will be affected by the works and it must be made clear what provisions will be made for these instances.
Types of signals
There are three types of signals:
- shuttle working two-way traffic lights (without a junction)
- shuttle working two-way traffic lights (with a junction)
- Three or four-way traffic lights.