Major roadworks projects come with significant risk, especially if they involve deep excavations, large machinery, or tall scaffolding. It’s not just workers who are at risk, but pedestrians too, with past incidents highlighting why clear, well-regulated signage is essential.
Here, we’ve rounded up the key things you need to know about traffic signs and regulations, along with the most common mandatory signs for roadworks you should invest in.
Understanding Temporary Road Signs Regulations
All traffic signage in the UK, including that for roadworks, needs to be compliant with Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016. These directives include an outline for temporary road signs and regulations, such as the materials and design required, as well as setup best practices.
One of the main considerations when it comes to temporary road signs regulations is the need to use retroreflective materials, so everyone has good visibility even in dim light. Depending on the speed limits for individual roads, the specific standards for materials can vary.
According to The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, roadwork site managers have a duty to install signage safeguarding both employees and pedestrians from any risks which cannot be otherwise avoided.
These mandatory signs for roadworks should be consistent, well-maintained, and easy to understand; the best way to ensure the latter is by choosing signs that comply with widely recognised designs, and displaying them clearly.
What Signs Are Required on a Construction Site?
Even if all the works are taking place in a private or controlled area, the signage should adhere to the established standards for public zones. This includes warning signs such as ‘roadworks ahead’, ‘lane closed’, and ‘narrow lanes’, as well as stop signs and temporary traffic signals where necessary.
What Signs Are Needed for Road Works?
The full list of traffic signs and regulations you must adhere to will be defined by the specifics of your project – refer to the Government’s signs for road works guidance to make sure you’re compliant.
That said, some common temporary road signs include:
Advance warning signs: Signage informing drivers and pedestrians that there are ‘road works ahead’ is among the most common temporary road signs. These can be paired with distance plates to signpost where the works start and how long they stretch for.
Lane closure and contraflows: In high traffic areas such as dual carriageways or motorways, closed lanes must be clearly indicated, along with warnings for ‘traffic control ahead’ and ‘diverted traffic’.
Directions and regulations: Temporary road signs regulations also require the use of blue instruction signs, such as ‘keep left’ arrows and pedestrian route boards, as well as red-bordered signs communicating key prohibitions, and no entry signs.
Temporary signals and layouts: If the construction works require the use of temporary traffic lights and narrowed lanes, make sure to give road users plenty of warning, so they can adjust their speed.
Alongside the main types of temporary road signs, you should also invest in road danger lights to ensure signage is visible even in poor weather conditions and at nighttime. Barriers with reflective tape might also be a good addition for the area directly surrounding the road works.
Temporary Road Signs Regulations Compliance, with Label Source
Make sure your roadworks construction site adheres to temporary road signs regulations – invest in signage made from compliant materials and ensure it’s set up properly. This is not only a way to stay compliant, but also to protect both employees and the public.
We offer temporary road signs to cover all key pedestrian and driver warnings; shop the range for essentials, or contact our team if you need support finding the signage on your must-have list.
