The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

• (b) the red cross or the white symbol shown in diagram 6031.1 or 6032.1 shall be illuminated by a steady light when the red lights are flashing.

• (7) Light signals used to control road traffic at level crossings, swinging or lifting bridges, tunnels, airfields or in the vicinity of premises used regularly by fire, police or ambulance service vehicles shall be—

• (a) of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3014; and

• (b) illuminated in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (8).

• (8) The sequence for the illumination of the light signals prescribed in paragraph (7) shall be as follows—

• (a) a single steady amber light,

• (b) two intermittent red lights, each of which will be shown at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute, and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.

• (9) Light signals used to control tramcars shall—

• (a) be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3013; and

• (b) display the aspects shown in diagrams 3013.1, 3013.2, 3013.3, 3013.4 and 3013.5 in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (10).

• (10) The sequence for the illumination of the light signals prescribed in paragraph (9) shall be as follows—

• (a) the horizontal line shown in diagram 3013.1,

• (b) the vertical line shown in diagram 3013.2 or either of the diagonal lines shown in diagram 3013.3 or 3013.4,

• (c) the central circle shown in diagram 3013.5.

• (11) When the light signals prescribed in paragraph (9) (“tram signals”) are affixed to the light signals mentioned in paragraph (2) (“standard signals”) in the manner shown in diagram 3000.3, 3000.4, 3000.5 or 3000.6 their aspect may be such that they convey to the driver of a tramcar a significance (within the meaning of regulation 33) which is different from that conveyed at the same time to the drivers of other vehicular traffic by the aspect of the standard signals to which the tram signals are affixed.

Permitted variants of green arrow light signals

31

• (1) A lens or lenses of the size and colour shown in either diagram 3001 or 3001.1 which, when illuminated, shows a green arrow

• (a) may be substituted for the lens showing the green light in the light signals referred to in regulation 30(2) using any of the methods shown in diagram 3003, 3005, 3006, 3011.1 or 3011.2; or

• (b) may be affixed to the light signals referred to in regulation 30(2) or to those signals as altered in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) using any of the methods shown in diagram 3000.4, 3000.6, 3002, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009.1, 3011.1 or 3011.2.

• (2) The direction of the arrow prescribed as the permitted variant of diagram 3000.3 and shown in diagram 3000.4 may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 90° arc shown in diagram 3002 or 3004.

• (3) The direction of the arrow prescribed as the permitted variant of diagrams 3000 and 3000.5 and shown in diagram 3000.6 may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 180° arc shown in diagram 3003 or 3009.1.

• (4) The direction of any arrow prescribed as a permitted variant of diagrams 3000.3 and 3000.4 where the arrow is substituted for the green light may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 90° arcs shown in diagram 3005 or 3006, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which paired arrows point.

• (5) The direction of either of the green arrows included in diagram 3000.4, where the sign shown in that diagram has been varied by the substitution of a green arrow for the tram signal aspect, may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 45° arcs shown in diagram 3007 or 3008 provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which paired arrows point.

• (6) The direction of either of the green arrows included in diagram 3000.6, where the sign shown in that diagram has been varied by the substitution of a green arrow for the tram signal aspect, may be varied so that—

• (a) when the arrows are illuminated and extinguished simultaneously, the head of the upper arrow may point in any direction on the 135° arc and the head of the lower arrow may point in any direction on either of the two 45° arcs shown in diagram 3011.1, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which the two arrows point ; and

• (b) when the arrows are illuminated and extinguished independently, the head of either of the arrows may point in any direction on the two 180° arcs shown in diagram 3011.2, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which the two arrows point.

Portable light signals

32

Portable light signals—

• (a) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3000.1; and

• (b) shall be illuminated in the sequence prescribed by regulation 30(4).

Significance of light signals

33

• (1) The significance of the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 30 and in regulation 32 shall be as follows—

• (a) except as provided in sub-paragraphs (b), (f) and (g) the red signal shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic other than tramcars shall not proceed beyond the stop line;

• (b) when a vehicle is being used for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes and the observance of the prohibition conveyed by the red signal in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) would be likely to hinder the use of that vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used, then sub-paragraph (a) shall not apply to the vehicle, and the red signal shall convey the prohibition that that vehicle shall not proceed beyond the stop line in a manner or at a time likely to endanger any person or to cause the driver of any vehicle proceeding in accordance with the indications of light signals operating in association with the signals displaying the red signal to change its speed or course in order to avoid an accident;

• (c) except as provided in sub-paragraph (f), the red-with-amber signal shall denote an impending change to green or a green arrow in the indication given by the signals but shall convey the same prohibition as the red signal;

• (d) the green signal shall indicate that vehicular traffic other than tramcars may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed straight on or to the left or to the right;

• (e) the amber signal shall, when shown alone, convey the same prohibition as the red signal, except that, as respects any vehicle other than a tramcar which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the green signal or green arrow signal which was shown immediately before it;

• (f) save as provided in sub-paragraph (g), the green arrow signal shall indicate that vehicular traffic other than tramcars may, notwithstanding any other indication given by the signals, proceed beyond the stop line only in the direction indicated by the arrow for the purpose of procceding in that direction through the junction controlled by those signals; and

• (g) where more than one green arrow is affixed to light signals in accordance with regulation 31(1)(b), vehicular traffic other than tramcars may, notwithstanding any other indication given by the signals, proceed beyond the stop line only in the direction indicated by any one of the green arrows for the purpose of procceding in that direction through the junction controlled by those signals.

• (2) Vehicular traffic proceeding beyond a stop line in accordance with paragraph (1) shall proceed with due regard to the safety of other road users and subject to any direction given by a constable in uniform or a traffic warden or to any other applicable prohibition or restriction.

• (3) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(5) shall be as follows—

• (a) when placed beside the carriageway of a road, they shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic (other than vehicles being used in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b)) shall not proceed beyond the signals; and

• (b) when displayed on a gantry over the carriageway, they shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic (other than vehicles being used in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b)) proceeding in the traffic lane immediately below the signals shall not proceed beyond them in that lane,

and for the purposes of this paragraph light signals which are mounted on a post situated beside the carriageway but which are projected over it or part of it shall be treated as light signals placed beside the carriageway of that road.

• (4) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(7) shall be as follows—

• (a) the amber signal shall convey the prohibition that traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line on the carriageway, except for a vehicle which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line; and

• (b) the intermittent red signals shall convey the prohibition that traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line.

• (5) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(9) shall be as follows—

• (a) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.1 shall convey the prohibition that a tramcar shall not proceed beyond the stop line;

• (b) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.2 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed straight ahead;

• (c) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.3 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed to the left;

• (d) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.4 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed to the right; and

• (e) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.5 shall convey the prohibition that a tramcar shall not proceed beyond the stop line except that, as respects a tramcar which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the aspect which was shown immediately before it.

• (6) In this regulation—

• (a) “primary signals” means light signals erected on or near the carriageway of a road and sited near either one or both ends of the stop line, or if there is no stop line, sited at either or both edges of the carriageway or part of the carriageway which is in use by traffic approaching and controlled by the signals;

• (b) “secondary signals” means light signals erected on or near the carriageway facing traffic approaching from the direction of the primary signals but sited beyond those signals as viewed from the direction of travel of such traffic;

• (c) “stop line” in relation to light signals means the road marking shown in diagram 1001 placed on a carriageway in conjunction with those light signals being either primary signals alone, or secondary signals alone or both primary and secondary signals and, where no stop line is provided or the stop line is not visible, references in the preceding paragraphs of this regulation to the stop line are—

• (i) in a case where the sign shown in diagram 7011 is placed in conjunction with the light signals, to be treated as references to that sign; and

• (ii) in any other case, to be treated as references to the post or other structure on which the primary signals are mounted; and

• (d) any reference to light signals, to the signals or to a signal of a particular colour is, where secondary signals have been placed, a reference to the light signals displayed by both the primary and secondary signals or, as the case may be, by the primary signals operating without the secondary signals or by the secondary signals operating without the primary signals.

Light signals for lane control of vehicular traffic

34

• (1) A light signal placed above the carriageway and facing the direction of oncoming vehicular traffic used for the control of that traffic proceeding along the traffic lane over which those signals have been placed shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 5001.1, 5001.2, 5003, 5003.1, 5005 or 5005.1.

• (2) The height of the centre of each light signal from the surface of the carriageway in the immediate vicinity shall be not less than 5.5 metres nor more than 9 metres.

• (3) The signals prescribed by this regulation shall be so designed that—

• (a) the red cross shown in diagram 5003 or 5003.1 (“the red cross”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady red light;

• (b) the green arrow shown in diagram 5001.1 or 5001.2 (“the downward green arrow”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady green light;

• (c) the white arrow shown in diagram 5005 or 5005.1 (“the diagonal white arrow”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady white light; and

• (d) whenever one of the signals referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) is illuminated neither of the other signals referred to in those sub-paragraphs shall be illuminated when placed over the same traffic lane.

• (4) The significance of the light signals prescribed in this regulation shall be as follows—

• (a) the red cross shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the prohibition that such traffic shall not proceed beyond the red cross in the traffic lane until that prohibition is cancelled by a display over that traffic lane of the downward green arrow or diagonal white arrow or by a display over that traffic lane or beside the carriageway of the traffic sign shown in diagram 5015 or 6001;

• (b) the downward green arrow shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the information that such traffic may proceed or continue to do so in the lane beneath the arrow; and

• (c) the diagonal white arrow shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the warning that such traffic should move into the adjacent traffic lane in the direction indicated by the arrow as soon as traffic conditions permit.

Warning signal for motorways and dual carriageway roads

35

• (1) A traffic sign for conveying the warning specified in paragraph (2) to vehicular traffic on a motorway or a dual carriageway road shall be a light signal of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 6023.

• (2) The warning conveyed by the light signal shall be that—

• (a) there is a hazard ahead on the motorway or dual carriageway road; and

• (b) drivers should drive at a speed which does not exceed 30 miles per hour until they are certain that the hazard has been passed or removed.

• (3) When the light signal prescribed by this regulation is operated, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.

Matrix signs for motorways and dual carriageway roads

36

• (1) In this regulation “matrix sign” means a sign shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11 for conveying to traffic on motorways and dual carriageway roads information or a warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit—

• (a) relating to or arising out of temporary hazardous conditions on or near the motorway or dual carriageway road; and

• (b) specified under a diagram contained in Part I of that Schedule.

• (2) A matrix sign shall be a light signal and shall be of the size, colour and type prescribed by this regulation and shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11.

• (3) Where a matrix sign is placed beside the carriageway of a road the warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit conveyed by the sign shall apply to all vehicular traffic facing that sign and proceeding along the carriageway beside which the sign is placed.

• (4) For the purposes of this regulation a sign which is mounted on a post situated beside the carriageway but is projected over it or part of it shall be treated as a sign placed beside the carriageway of that road.

• (5) Where a matrix sign mounted on a gantry or other structure is so placed that a traffic lane of the carriageway passes directly beneath it, the warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit conveyed by the sign shall apply only to vehicular traffic facing that sign and proceeding along the traffic lane passing directly beneath it.

• (6) The legend or symbol in a matrix sign shall be displayed by means of white or off-white light and except in the case of the sign shown in diagram 6012 shall be accompanied by the four lamps prescribed in paragraph (7).

• (7) The four lamps mentioned in paragraph (6)—

• (a) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 6022 when placed beside the carriageway or in diagram 6021 when mounted on a gantry or other structure over the carriageway; and

• (b) when a matrix sign other than the one shown in diagram 6012 is displayed, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one horizontal pair of lights is always shown when the lights of the other horizontal pair of lights is not shown.

Light signals for pedestrians

37

• (1) Light signals for conveying to pedestrians the information mentioned in paragraph (3) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4002.

• (2) The signals shall be so designed that—

• (a) the red figure shown in diagram 4002 (“the red signal”) can be internally illuminated by a steady light;

• (b) the green figure shown in diagram 4002 (“the green signal”) can be internally illuminated by a steady light;

• (c) when one signal is illuminated the other signal is not illuminated; and

• (d) the green signal is and remains illuminated only for so long as there is conveyed to vehicular traffic a requirement, prohibition or restriction against entering that part of the carriageway across which the light signals for pedestrians are facing, being a requirement, prohibition or restriction indicated by—

• (i) the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2), (3) or (9) of regulation 30;

• (ii) the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(2) varied in accordance with regulation 31 as respects the direction of the green arrow; or

• (iii) a traffic sign shown in diagram 606, 612, 613 or 616.

• (3) The period during which, in the interests of safety, pedestrians—

• (a) should not cross the carriageway shall be shown by the red signal during such time as it is illuminated; and

• (b) may cross the carriageway shall be shown by the green signal during such time as it is illuminated by the steady light.

• (4) Any audible signal emitted by any device for emitting audible signals provided in conjunction with the green signal, and any tactile signal made by any device for making tactile signals similarly provided, shall convey to pedestrians the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(b).

• (5) A sign of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4003 shall during such time as the word “WAIT” is illuminated indicate to pedestrians the warning mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (3).

38

• (1) Light signals conveying to pedestrians at level crossings the prohibition mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4006 and so designed that—

• (a) the red figure shown in diagram 4006 is internally illuminated by an intermittent red light which is shown at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute; and

• (b) the red figure is illuminated only when the intermittent red lights prescribed in regulation 30(8)(b) are illuminated.

• (2) The red figure when illuminated in the manner described in paragraph (1) shall convey the prohibition that pedestrians shall not proceed beyond the transverse road marking shown in diagram 1003.2 on the footway or diagram 1001 on the carriageway.

School crossing patrol signs and warning lights

39

• (1) A sign which is exhibited by a school crossing patrol for the purpose of stopping any vehicle in accordance with section 28 of the 1984 Act shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 605.2.

• (2) A sign for conveying a warning to vehicular traffic, which is approaching a place in a road where children on their way to or from school or on their way from one part of a school to another cross or seek to cross that road (“a crossing place”), that the crossing place lies ahead and is being patrolled by a school crossing patrol or is otherwise in use by such children—

• (a) shall be a light signal of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4004, each lamp of which when operated shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown; and

• (b) may be erected on or near part of the road in advance of a crossing place in relation to oncoming traffic.

Cattle crossing signs and warning lights

40

• (1) A sign of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4005 may be erected on or near a road in advance of a place in that road where cattle under the supervision of a herdsman on their way from one part of a farm to another cross the road (“a cattle crossing”) to convey to oncoming traffic the warning specified in paragraph (2).

• (2) The warning conveyed by the sign shall be that—

• (a) a cattle crossing lies ahead and may be in use; and

• (b) traffic should be prepared to stop.

• (3) When the sign is operated, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.

SECTION 6 — MISCELLANEOUS TRAFFIC SIGNS

Certain temporary signs

41

• (1) A temporary sign shall be of such size, colour and type as is specified in this regulation.

• (2) The shape of a temporary sign shall be—

• (a) rectangular;

• (b) rectangular but with the corners rounded; or

• (c) pointed at one end but otherwise rectangular in accordance with (a) or (b).

• (3) A temporary sign may incorporate—

• (a) wording;

• (b) numerals;

• (c) arrows or chevrons;

• (d) any appropriate symbol taken from any diagram in any Schedule; and

• (e) the arms, badge or other device of a traffic authority, police authority or an organisation representative of road users,

and shall be of a size appropriate to the circumstances in which it is placed.

• (4) Every letter and numeral incorporated in a temporary sign other than any letter incorporated in the sign in accordance with paragraph (3)(e) shall be not less than 40 nor more than 350 millimetres in height, and every arrow so incorporated shall be not less than 250 nor more than 1000 millimetres in length.

• (5) Every letter, numeral, arrow, chevron or symbol, other than a sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 5 when used as a symbol, incorporated in a temporary sign shall be—

• (a) black on a background of white or of yellow;

• (b) white on a blue background;

• (c) blue on a white background;

• (d) if the sign conveys information or warnings of the kind mentioned in sub-paragraphs (c) or (d) of paragraph (7), white on a red background, except where it is placed on a motorway when it shall be black on a yellow background; or

• (e) if the sign is a variable message sign, yellow on a black background or black on a yellow background, except when the sign is not in use when it shall display a plain black or grey face.

• (6) No temporary sign shall convey to traffic any information, warning, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description which can be conveyed either by a sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 12 or by a sign so shown placed in combination or in conjunction with another sign so shown in such a diagram.

• (7) In this regulation “temporary sign” means a sign placed temporarily on or near a road for conveying to traffic—

• (a) information as respects deviations or alternative traffic routes;

• (b) information as respects the route which may conveniently be followed on the occasion of a sports meeting, exhibition or other public gathering which in each case it is anticipated will attract a considerable volume of traffic;

• (c) information as to the date from which works are to be executed on or near a road;

• (d) information or warnings as to the avoidance of any temporary hazards occasioned by works being executed on or near a road, by adverse weather conditions or other natural causes, by the failure of street lighting or by malfunction of or damage to any apparatus, equipment or facility used in connection with the road or anything situated on, near or under it or by damage to the road itself; or

• (e) requests for information by the police in connection with a road traffic accident.

Flashing beacons

42

• (1) A beacon—

• (a) showing an intermittent amber light and placed in combination with a temporary sign within the meaning of regulation 41 or the sign shown in diagram 562, 610, 7001, 7009, 7010, 7012, 7013, 7019, 7020, 7021 or 7022, and in compliance with the requirements in paragraph (2); or

• (b) showing an intermittent blue light and placed by a constable or a person acting under instructions (whether general or specific) of the chief officer of police in combination with a sign shown in diagram 606, 609, 610, 616, 633, 829.1, 829.2, 829.3, 829.4 or 7105, and in compliance with (c) and (d) of the requirements in paragraph (2),

shall convey the warning that drivers of vehicles should take special care.

• (2) The requirements mentioned in paragraph (1) are—

• (a) the peak intensity of light emitted by the lens or lenses of each such beacon shall be—

• (i) if the period between individual flashes does not exceed of a second, not less than 100 candela on the principal axis of the relevant lens;

• (ii) if the period between individual flashes exceeds of a second, not less than 2000 candela on the principal axis; or

• (iii) if the period between the cessation of a double flash and the start of the succeeding double flash exceeds of a second, not less than 1000 candela on the principal axis;

• (b) each lens shall be of such a shape and size that the perimeter of its area projected horizontally onto a vertical plane shall be capable of lying wholly inside a square having sides of 200 millimetres in length and wholly outside a square having sides of 100 millimetres in length;

• (c) the height of the centre of the lenses from the surface of the carriageway in the immediate vicinity shall be not less than 800 nor more than 1500 millimetres; and

• (d) the rate of flashing shall be not less than 40 nor more than 150 individual or double flashes per minute.

Road danger lamps

43

• (1) A lamp showing a steady or intermittent amber light which—

• (a) conforms to British Standard Specification BS3143: Part 1: 1985 amended by Amendment No.1 dated February 1985; or BS3143: Part 2: 1990; or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State; and

• (b) is illuminated separately and by a single source of light,

shall indicate to traffic the limits of a temporary obstruction of the road and in this regulation is called a “road danger lamp”.

• (2) The height of the centre of each lens of a road danger lamp from the surface of the road in the immediate vicinity of the lamp shall not exceed 1500 millimetres where the speed limit on the road is 40 miles per hour or less, or 1200 millimetres where the speed limit on the road is more than 40 miles per hour.

• (3) Where a road danger lamp which shows an intermittent light is placed—

• (a) within 50 metres of a street lamp lit by electricity on a road subject to a speed limit of 40 miles per hour or less, the lamp shall operate in such a way that the rate of flashing shall be not less than 40 nor more than 150 flashes per minute; and

• (b) on roads other than those mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), the rate of flashing shall be not less than 900 flashes per minute.

Cones, delineators and cylinders

44

• (1) The sign shown in diagram 7101 shall, subject to paragraph (2), consist of a conically shaped device made of rubber or flexible plastic material of which—

• (a) the base is coloured red, black, grey or brown;

• (b) the base is a polygon having not more than eight sides, which would be contained wholly within a circle with a diameter of three quarters of the height of the device; and

• (c) the part of the device coloured white is illuminated with white retroreflecting material,

and information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with British Standard Specification BS 873: Part 8: 1985 or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State, occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the part of the sign coloured white in characters not exceeding 5 millimetres in height, at least 90% of the remaining area of white colour shall be illuminated with white retroreflecting material, and the part of the device coloured red may be illuminated with red retroreflecting material.

• (2) A rotating device which is red and not illuminated by means of retroreflecting material and which displays one or more of the signs shown in diagram 560 or 561, which shall be coloured amber, intermittently while rotating and constantly while static, may be mounted on top of the sign shown in diagram 7101.

• (3) The sign shown in diagram 7102 shall consist of a device made of rubber or flexible plastic material of which—

• (a) the base is coloured red, black, grey or brown, except that a white line 100 millimetres wide at an angle of not more than 60° to the road surface and illuminated with retroreflecting material may be marked on one side of the base at right angles to the face of the device;

• (b) the base has a maximum width (measured parallel to the face of the device) of three quarters of the height of the device, a minimum length of three quarters of the height of the device and is no more than 70 millimetres high at the outermost edge; and

• (c) the part of the device coloured white is illuminated with white retroreflecting material,

and information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with British Standard Specification BS 873: Part 8: 1985 or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State, occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the part of the sign coloured white in characters not exceeding 5 millimetres in height and, if only one side of the device is illuminated in accordance with this paragraph, the reverse side shall be coloured red or grey in material which is not retroreflecting, and the part of the device coloured red may be illuminated with red retroreflecting material.

• (4) The sign shown in diagram 7103 shall consist of a cylindrically shaped device made of rubber or flexible plastic material and—

• (a) the part of the device coloured white shall be illuminated with white retroreflecting material; and

• (b) information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with British Standard Specification BS 873: Part 8: 1985 or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State, occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the part of the sign coloured white in characters not exceeding 5 millimetres in height, and at least 90% of the remaining area of white colour shall be illuminated with white retroreflecting material; and

• (c) the part of the device coloured red may be illuminated with red retroreflecting material.

Refuge indicator lamps

45

A lamp in the form of an illuminated spherical globe for conveying the warning that drivers of vehicles are approaching a street refuge may be placed subject to the following conditions—

• (a) the globe shall be white;

• (b) the globe shall have a diameter of not less than 290 nor more than 310 millimetres; and

• (c) the height of the centre of the globe above the surface of the carriageway in the immediate vicinity shall be not less than 3800 millimetres nor more than 5000 millimetres.

Variable message signs

46

• (1) A device may display at different times—

• (a) a sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, 11 or 12;

• (b) a legend of a type shown in Schedule 15 in accordance with the provisions of that Schedule; or

• (c) a blank grey or a blank black face,

and in these Regulations such a device is referred to as a “variable message sign”.

• (2) A variable message sign shall be of a size appropriate to display the messages referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1), having regard to the normal speed of traffic on the road on or near which the sign is situated.

• (3) If the construction or method of operation of a variable message sign prevents the sign from being displayed in the colours shown for it in the appropriate diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, Part I of Schedule 11 or Schedule 12, a black legend or symbol on a white or yellow background may be displayed as a white, off-white or yellow legend or symbol on a dark background, provided that any red triangle or red circle forming part of the sign is retained.

• (4) When a variable message sign displays the sign shown in diagram 670, any sign shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11 other than diagram 6012, or a legend of the type shown in Schedule 15, it may also display four lamps of the size, colour and type specified in regulation 36(7), save that the rate of flashing shall be not less than 60 nor more than 150 flashes per minute and the distance between the lamps shall be varied to accord with the overall size of the variable message sign.

• (5) The display of a blank black or grey face on a variable message sign accompanied by four flashing lamps of the kind mentioned in paragraph (4) shall indicate to drivers that they should take special care.

• (6) A variable message sign which displays alternately the signs shown in diagrams 7023 and 7024 shall be manually operated.

SCHEDULE 1 — WARNING SIGNS

(other than those for railway and tramway level crossings, bus and pedal cycle facilities, and road works)

SCHEDULE 2 — REGULATORY SIGNS

(other than those for railway and tramway level crossings, bus and pedal cycle facilities, and road works)

SCHEDULE 3 — SIGNS FOR RAILWAY AND TRAMWAY LEVEL CROSSINGS

SCHEDULE 4 — OTHER INFORMATORY SIGNS

SCHEDULE 5 — SIGNS FOR BUS, TRAM AND PEDAL CYCLES FACILITIES

SCHEDULE 6 — ROAD MARKINGS

SCHEDULE 7

PART I — PRIMARY ROUTE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

PART II — NON-PRIMARY ROUTE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

PART III — TOURIST ATTRACTION SIGNS

PART IV — SERVICES SIGNS

PART V — BOUNDARY SIGNS

PART VI — DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO PARKING PLACES

PART VII — DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS

PART VIII — TEMPORARY AND EMERGENCY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

PART IX — OTHER NON-MOTORWAY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

PART X — MOTORWAY SIGNS

SCHEDULE 8 — LIGHT SIGNALS FOR THE CONTROL OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

SCHEDULE 9 — LIGHT SIGNALS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND ANIMAL CROSSINGS

SCHEDULE 10

PART I — LANE CONTROL SIGNALS

PART II — LANE CONTROL SIGNS

SCHEDULE 11

PART I — MATRIX SIGNS

PART II — LIGHT SIGNALS

SCHEDULE 12

PART I — MISCELLANEOUS WARNING, INFORMATORY AND REGULATORY SIGNS FOR ROAD WORKS

PART II — ROAD WORKS DELINEATORS AND BARRIERS

PART III — SIGNS FOR LANE CLOSURES AND CONTRA-FLOW WORKING AT ROAD WORKS

PART IV — SIGNS FOR ROAD WORKS ENTRANCES AND EXITS

PART V — SIGNS MOUNTED ON ROAD WORKS VEHICLES

SCHEDULE 13

PART I — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

PART II — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

PART III — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

PART IV — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

PART V — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS FOR USE ON VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

PART VI — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS FOR USE IN THE ROAD MARKINGS SHOWN IN SCHEDULE 6

(a) with a height of 1.6 metres)

(b) with a height of 2.8 metres)

(c) for use in the road markings shown in diagrams 1027.1, 1028.2, 1028.3, 1028.4, 1029 and 1033

PART VII — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF LETTERS, NUMERALS AND OTHER CHARACTERS

SCHEDULE 14

PART I — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING THE TYPE OF TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES

PART II — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING THE TYPE OF TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ENGLAND AND WALES

PART III — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING THE TYPE OF TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ENGLAND ONLY

PART IV — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING THE TYPE OF TOURIST ATTRACTION IN SCOTLAND ONLY

PART V — PROPORTIONS AND FORM OF SYMBOLS INDICATING THE TYPE OF TOURIST ATTRACTION IN WALES ONLY

SCHEDULE 15 — LEGENDS FOR USE ON VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS

PART I — SIGNS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

1

One of the following legends may be displayed on a sign which is activated automatically by a particular type of vehicle approaching the equipment which controls the sign

• (a) “OVERHEIGHT VEHICLE DIVERT” with

• (i) an arrow;

• (ii) “USE” and a route number; or

• (iii) “FOLLOW” and a symbol shown in Part VII of Schedule 13;

• (b) “OVERHEIGHT VEHICLE TURN BACK”;

• (c) “HIGH VEHICLE USE MIDDLE OF ROAD”; or

• (d) “ONCOMING VEHICLE IN MIDDLE OF ROAD”.

PART II — LEGENDS GIVING WARNINGS OF ADVERSE WEATHER OR OTHER TEMPORARY HAZARDS

2

A legend shown in an item in column (2) of the Table may be used only in conjunction with one of the legends shown in any item in column (3).In addition one of the legends shown in any item in column (4) may also be displayed.The information indicated in square brackets may be omitted.The number of a motorway junction should be shown on the sign in the format of the letter “J” followed by the number of the junction.

(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
Item	Type of hazard	Location of hazard (for use with any item in column (2))	Additional information (optional-for use with any appropriate combination of items in columns (2) and (3))
1.	“HIGH WINDS”	A route number, including abbreviated compass point directions where appropriate	“[LONG] DELAYS”
2.	“SNOW”	“AT” and a place name, the name of a bridge or tunnel, or a junction name or number	A number and “HR DELAYS”
3.	“FOG”	“AFTER” and a place name, the name of a bridge or tunnel, or a junction name or number	[“CARS”, “HGV'S”, “CARAVANS” or “M'CYCLES”] “USE” and a route number or numbers, including abbreviated compass point directions where appropriate
4.	“FLOODS”	A number and “MILES AHEAD”	[“CARS”, “HGV'S”, “CARAVANS” or “M'CYCLES”] “FOLLOW” and a symbol shown in Part VII of Schedule 13 or a place name
5.	“QUEUE”	“AHEAD”	[“CARS”, “HGV'S”, “CARAVANS” or “M'CYCLES”] and “LEAVE AT NEXT JCT”, “LEAVE AT” and a junction name or number
6.	“ACCIDENT”		“SLOW DOWN”
7.	“SETTING OUT ROAD WORKS”

PART III — INFORMATION ON DIVERSION ROUTES

3

One of the legends shown in any item in column (3) of the Table may be used in conjunction with a legend shown in any item in column (2).The information indicated in square brackets may be omitted.The number of a motorway junction should be shown on the sign in the format of the letter “J” followed by the number of the junction.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Basic Message	Alternative route information (optional-for use with any item in column (2))
1.	A route number, including abbreviated compass point direction where appropriate, or junction name including abbreviated compass point directions where appropriate	“[ALTERNATIVE ROUTE] USE” and a route number or numbers, or number and the word “CLOSED”.
2.	“ROAD CLOSED”	“[ALTERNATIVE ROUTE] FOLLOW” and a symbol shown in Part VII of Schedule 13 or a place name
3.	[Name] “BRIDGE CLOSED”	“FOR” and a place name “USE” and a route number or numbers, including abbreviated compass point directions where appropriate
4.	[Name] “TUNNEL CLOSED”	“FOR” and a place name “FOLLOW” and a symbol shown in Part VII of Schedule 13 or another place name
5.	“ROAD WORKS”	“LEAVE AT NEXT JCT”, “LEAVE AT” and a junction name or number

PART IV — OTHER LEGENDS

4

The following legends may also be displayed on a variable message sign

• (a) “SIGNAL UNDER TEST”

• (b) “SIGN UNDER TEST”

SCHEDULE 16 — PERMITTED VARIANTS

1

The white on red double arrow symbol indicating British Railways shown in diagram 2134. A white border shall be added round the symbol when placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign.

2

The red circle and crossbar indicating London Transport shown in diagram 2133. The symbol shall be shown on a white rectangular patch when placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign.

3

A symbol representing a Passenger Transport Executive. Where necessary a white border or rectangular patch may be used to ensure adequate contrast between the colour of the symbol and the background of that part of the sign.

4

The parking symbol shown in diagram 2505. A white border shall be added round the blue symbol when placed on a green or brown background on that part of the sign.

5

The telephone symbol shown in diagram 2322. The symbol shall be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white when placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign.

6

The disabled person symbol shown in diagram 2323. The symbol shall be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white when placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign.

7

The “WC” symbol denoting toilets shown in diagram 2323. The symbol shall be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white when placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign.

8

The “H” symbol and associated plate denoting hospital shown in diagram 827.1 or 827.2. The associated plate may be placed either below or to the right of the “H” symbol. A white border shall be added round the blue or red symbol when placed on a green background on that part of the sign.

9

The ferry boat symbol shown in diagram 2007 or 2120 as appropriate. The symbol shall be coloured black with white vehicles when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white with black vehicles when placed on a green, brown, black or blue background on that part of the sign.

10

The white on blue “Park and Ride” symbol shown in diagram 2503 with the words “Park and Ride”. A white border shall be added round the blue symbol when placed on a green or brown background on that part of the sign.

SCHEDULE 17 — ILLUMINATION OF SIGNS

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Diagram numbers	Method of Illumination
1.	501, 504.1, 505.1, 506.1, 507.1, 510, 512, 512.1, 512.2, 513, 516, 517, 520, 521, 522, 523.1, 524.1, 528, 529, 529.1, 530, 531.1, 532.2 (in respect of the triangle symbols), 532.3 (in respect of the triangle symbols), 543 (other than when used with 547.6), 544 (other than when used with 547.5), 544.1, 544.2, 545, 555, 601.1, 602, 606 (other than when used as described in item 6 or item 7), 609, 610 (other than when used as described in item 7), 611 (other than when used as described in item 7), 611.1, 612 (other than when used as described in item 6), 613 (other than when used as described in item 6), 614 (other than when used as described in item 6), 615, 616 (other than when used as described in item 7), 617 (other than when used with 618), 618.2, 618.3, 618.3A, 618.4, 619, 619.1, 619.2, 622.1A, 622.2, 622.4, 626.2, 629, 629.1, 629.2, 629.2A, 632, 642 (if the diameter is more than 450mm), 652, 669, 669.1, 770, 771, 772, 779, 782, 784, 790, 818, 818.1, 818.1A, 868, 868.1, 872, 873, 874, 875, 950 (other than when used with 950.1), 952, 953, 953.1, 2901, 2902, 2902.1, 2903, 2904, 2904.1, 2905, 2906, 2908, 2909, 2910, 2910.1, 2911, 2912, 2915, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2920, 2921, 2929, 2930, 2931, 5010, 5011, 7001, 7002, 7004, 7005, 7006, 7009, 7010, 7011, 7012, 7013, 7201, 7202, 7203, 7203.1, 7204, 7205,7206, 7207, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7218, 7220, 7221, 7230, 7231, 7232, 7233, 7234, 7235, 7236, 7237, 7238, 7239, 7240, 7250, 7251, 7252, 7253, 7254, 7255, 7260, 7261, 7262, 7263, 7264, 7265, 7266, 7270, 7271, 7272, 7273, 7274,7275, 7290	1 Where the sign is erected on a road within 50 metres of any lamp lit by electricity which forms part of a system of street-lighting furnished by means of at least three such lamps placed not more than 183 metres apart, that sign shall be illuminated by a means of internal or external lighting either for so long as that system is illuminated, or throughout the hours of darkness, unless it is erected temporarily for any of the following reasons— a for the purpose of a temporary statutory provision; b by reason of some emergency; or c if that road is a road subject to a speed limit of 30 mph or under, by reason of the execution of works, or of any obstruction on the road. 2 Where any such sign is erected in such a manner that it is not required to be illuminated throughout the hours of darkness by a means of internal or external lighting, it shall be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material in accordance with the provisions of regulation 19.
2.	2711	The sign shall be internally illuminated.
3.	955 (other than when used as described in item 7), 956, 957	1 Where the sign is a terminal sign and is erected on a road within 50 metres of any lamp lit by electricity which forms part of a system of street-lighting furnished by means of at least three such lamps placed not more than 183 metres apart, that sign shall be illuminated by a system is illuminated, or throughout the hours of darkness. 2 Where the sign is erected in such a manner that it is not required to be illuminated throughout the hours of darkness by a means of internal or external lighting, it shall be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material in accordance with the provisions of regulation 19.
4.	515, 515.1, 515.1A, 528.1, 548, 549, 550, 550.1, 551, 551.1, 551.2, 552, 553.1, 554, 554.1, 554.2, 556, 556.1, 557, 558, 558.1, 559, 562, 574, 581, 582, 583, 633, 642 (if the diameter is 450mm or less), 646, 647, 663, 663.1, 664, 665, 666, 774, 775, 777, 783, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 789.1, 789.2, 801, 811, 816, 817, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 827.1, 827.2, 829.1, 829.2, 829.3, 829.4, 830, 830.1, 830.2, 830.3, 831, 831.1, 832, 832.1, 832.2, 832.3, 832.4, 832.5, 832.6, 832.7, 832.8, 832.9, 832.10, 877, 950 (when used with 950.1), 951, 958, 958.1, 959, 959.1, 960, 960.1, 962, 962.1, 962.2, 964, 969, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2030.1, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2101, 2101.1, 2101.2, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2113.1, 2114, 2115, 2115.1, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2128, 2129, 2130, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137, 2138, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2308, 2309, 2310, 2311, 2312, 2312.1, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2315.1, 2501, 2502, 2503, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2509, 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707, 2708, 2709, 2710, 2713.1, 2716, 2803, 2804, 2805, 2806, 2913, 2914, 2916, 2922, 2923, 2924, 2925, 2926, 2927, 2928, 2932, 5012, 5013, 5014, 5015, 7003, 7014, 7015, 7019, 7020, 7104, 7105, 7301, 7302, 7303, 7304, 7305, 7306, 7307	The sign may be illuminated by a means of internal or external lighting but if not so illuminated throughout the hours of darkness, it shall be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material in accordance with the provisions of regulation 19.
5.	543 (when used with 547.6), 544 (when used with 547.5), 557.1, 7023, 7024, 7401, 7402, 7403	The sign shall be illuminated by a means of internal or external lighting throughout the hours of darkness.
6.	606, 612, 613, 614	Where the sign is fixed to light signals prescribed by regulation 30, or by regulation 30 as varied by regulation 31, it shall be illuminated by a means of internal lighting at all times except when the light signals to which it is fixed are being maintained or repaired.
7.	606, 610, 611, 616, 955	Where the sign is mounted in a bollard fitted with a means of lighting it internally, the sign shall be illuminated throughout the hours of darkness by that means of internal lighting.
8.	502, 503, 511, 513.1, 513.2, 518, 519, 525, 526, 527, 530.1, 531.2, 543.1, 546, 547.1, 547.2, 547.3, 547.4, 547.5, 547.6, 547.7, 548.1, 553, 553.2, 554.3, 556.2, 557.2, 557.3, 557.4, 558.2, 563, 563.1, 570, 572, 573, 575, 583.1, 607, 608, 615.1, 618, 618.1, 620, 620.1, 627.1, 643, 644, 645, 773, 778, 778.1, 780, 780.1, 780.2, 804.1, 804.2, 804.3, 811.1, 817.2, 876, 950.1, 953.2, 954, 954.1, 954.2, 954.3, 954.4, 961, 7001.1, 7001.2, 7021, 7022, 7208, 7209, 7256, 7401.1	See regulation 20.
9.	530.2, 532.2 and 532.3 in respect of parts of the signs other than the triangle symbols, 617 when used with 618, 622.5, 622.6, 625.1, 636, 636.1, 637, 637.1, 637.2, 637.3, 638, 638.1, 639, 639.1A, 640, 640.1, 640.2A, 640.3, 640.4, 640.5, 642.2, 642.3, 650.1, 650.2, 651, 660, 660.3, 660.4, 660.5, 661, 661.1, 661.2, 661.3, 661.4, 662, 667, 667.1, 667.2, 668, 668.1, 668.2, 810, 814.1, 814.2, 814.3, 814.4, 816.1, 826, 826.1, 833, 834, 835, 836, 857, 857.1, 864, 865, 963, 963.1, 963.2, 963.3, 965, 966, 967, 968, 968.1, 970, 971, 972, 973, 973.1, 974, 975, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2601, 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2610.1, 2610.2, 2701, 2712, 2713, 2801, 2802, 2807, 7007, 7008, 7016, 7017, 7018, 7404	The sign or plate may be left unlit, or be illuminated either by means of internal or external lighting or by the use of retroreflecting material.
10.	670, 671, 672, 673 (if the diameter is 600mm, 900mm or 1500mm)	1 Where the sign is a terminal sign and is erected on a trunk or principal road within 50 metres of a street lamp lit by electricity, it shall throughout the hours of darkness— a be continuously illuminated by means of internal or external lighting and may also be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material; or b while the street lamp is lit, be continuously illuminated by means of external lighting and shall also be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material. 2 If any sign is required to be illuminated in the manner and at the times described in paragraph (1) above— a every sign shown in the same diagram as the first-mentioned sign which is erected at or near the same point on the road or the same junction for the same purpose as the first-mentioned sign shall be continuously illuminated throughout the same period by the same means of lighting as the first-mentioned sign; and b if any of the signs is illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material, every other such sign shall be similarly illuminated.
11.	670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675	If the sign is not required by item 10 to be illuminated by lighting throughout the hours of darkness or throughout such hours while a street lamp is lit, it may be illuminated— throughout the hours of darkness by means of internal or external lighting; or throughout any period during the hours of darkness by the use of retroreflecting material; and if so illuminated paragraph (2) of item 10 shall apply as if the sign were a sign required by paragraph (1) of item 10 to be illuminated by lighting throughout the hours of darkness or throughout such hours while a street lamp is lit.
12.	1001, 1002.1, 1003, 1003.1, 1003.2, 1003.3, 1003.4, 1004, 1004.1, 1005, 1005.1, 1008, 1008.1, 1009, 1010, 1012.1, 1012.2, 1012.3, 1013.1, 1013.3, 1014, 1017, 1018.1, 1019, 1020.1, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1024.1, 1025, 1025.1, 1025.2, 1025.3, 1026, 1026.1, 1027.1, 1028.2, 1028.3, 1028.4, 1029, 1032, 1033, 1035, 1036.1, 1036.2, 1037.1, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1040.2, 1040.3, 1040.4, 1040.5, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1046, 1048, 1048.1, 1049, 1049.1, 1050, 1055, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1060, 1060.1, 1061, 1061.1, 1063	See regulation 28.
13.	560, 561	See regulation 21.
14.	776	The sign shall be illuminated by an intermittent red light flashing at a rate of not less than 54 nor more than 90 flashes per minute.
15.	515.2, 532.2, 605.2, 2714, 2715, 3014 (in respect of the backing board)	The parts of the sign coloured other than black or orange shall be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material in accordance with the provisions of regulation 19. Any parts of the sign coloured orange may be so illuminated. The part of the sign in diagram 605.2 coloured yellow shall be fluorescent, except as provided in regulation 19(4).
16.	7101, 7102, 7103	See regulation 44.

SCHEDULE 18 — INTERPRETATION OF “UNLADEN VEHICLE”

1

In these Regulations “unladen vehicle” means, subject to paragraph 3 of this Schedule—

• (a) a motor vehicle not drawing a trailer or otherwise forming part of a combination of vehicles; or

• (b) a combination of vehicles comprising one motor vehicle drawing one or more trailers,

in relation to which the conditions specified in paragraph 2 below are satisfied.

2

The conditions mentioned in paragraph 1 above are—

• (a) that the motor vehicle is a motor car, a heavy motor car, or a motor tractor;

• (b) that no goods or burden are being carried in the motor vehicle or if the motor vehicle is drawing one or more trailers, in that combination of vehicles; and

• (c) that not more than 2 persons (excluding the driver) are being carried in the motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle is drawing one or more trailers, in that combination of vehicles.

3

For the purposes of this Schedule—

• (a) in the case of a motor vehicle so constructed that it is fitted with a crane, dynamo, plant or other special appliance or apparatus which is a permanent or essentially permanent fixture, the appliance or apparatus is not to be deemed to constitute goods or burden of any description; and

• (b) water, fuel or accumulators used for the purpose of the supply of power for the propulsion of a vehicle or, as the case may be, of any vehicle by which a trailer is drawn, and loose tools and loose equipment are not to be deemed to constitute goods or burden of any description.

PART II — THE TRAFFIC SIGNS GENERAL DIRECTIONS 1994

Citation and commencement

1

This Part of this Instrument—

• (a) may be cited—

• (i) as the Traffic Signs General Directions 1994, and

• (ii) together with Part I above, as the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994; and

• (b) shall come into force on 12th August 1994.

Revocations

2

The Instruments specified in Appendix 2 to this Instrument, so far as they consist of or comprise directions, are hereby revoked except that for the purposes of the Traffic Signs (Welsh and English Language Provisions) Regulations and General Directions 1985[^f00026] the revocations of the Directions marked with an asterisk in Appendix 2 shall have no effect.

Interpretation

3

• (1) In these Directions—

• “the 1971 Regulations” means the “Zebra” Pedestrian Crossings Regulations 1971[^f00027];

• “controlled parking zone” has the meaning given in direction 23;

• “former Directions” means the Directions revoked by these Directions;

• “the Regulations” means the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994[^f00028],

and the expressions listed in paragraph (2) have the same meaning as in the Regulations.

• (2) Those expressions are—

• “the 1981 Regulations”;

• “the 1984 Act”;

• “automatic level crossing”;

• “central reservation”;

• “cycle lane”;

• “dual carriageway road”;

• “hours of darkness”;

• “level crossing”;

• “manually operated”;

• “maximum gross weight”;

• “motorway”;

• “national speed limit”;

• “non-primary route”;

• “pedal cycle”;

• “pedestrian zone”;

• “plate”;

• “primary route”;

• “principal road”;

• “road marking”;

• “route”;

• “sign”;

• “speed limit”;

• “stud”;

• “temporary statutory provision”;

• “traffic lane”; and

• “variable message sign”.

References in the Directions

4

In these Directions, unless it is expressly provided otherwise or the context otherwise requires,—

• (a) a reference to a numbered direction is a reference to the direction so numbered in these Directions;

• (b) a reference to a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph so numbered in the direction in which the reference occurs;

• (c) a reference to a sub-paragraph followed by a number or letter is a reference to the sub-paragraph bearing that number or letter in the direction in which the reference occurs;

• (d) a reference to a numbered diagram is a reference to the diagram so numbered in a Schedule to the Regulations;

• (e) a reference to a sign shown in a diagram in a Schedule to the Regulations includes a reference to that sign as varied in accordance with the Regulations;

• (f) a reference to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or to the Schedule to, the Regulations so numbered; and

• (g) in any direction which includes a table, references to a table are to the table in that direction.

Saving

5

Any sign, which immediately before the coming into force of these Directions was placed on or near any road in conformity with the former Directions, so long as it continues to conform with those Directions as though they had not been revoked, shall be treated as if placed in conformity with these Directions, notwithstanding any provision of these Directions to the contrary.

Signs to be placed only at sites approved by the Secretary of State

6

A sign shown in diagram 601.1, or in diagram 1040 or 1040.2 (when either is varied to include a continuous white line bounding the hatched marking), shall not be placed for the first time at any site except with the approval of the Secretary of State.

Signs to be placed only to indicate the effect of a statutory prohibition

7

• (1) Except as provided by paragraph (3), the signs to which this paragraph applies may be placed on or near a road only to indicate the effect of an Act, order, regulation, byelaw or notice (“the effect of a statutory provision”) which prohibits or restricts the use of the road by traffic.

• (2) Paragraph (1) applies to—

• (a) the signs shown in diagrams 606, 607, 609, 612, 613, 614, 616, 617, 618, 618.1, 618.2, 618.3, 618.3A, 618.4, 619, 619.1, 619.2, 620, 620.1, 622.1A, 622.2, 622.4, 622.5, 622.6, 625.1, 626.2, 627.1, 629, 629.1, 629.2, 629.2A, 632, 636, 636.1, 637, 637.1, 637.2, 637.3, 638, 638.1, 639, 639.1A, 640, 640.2A, 640.3, 640.4, 640.5, 642, 642.2, 642.3, 643, 644, 646, 647, 650.1, 650.2, 651, 652, 660, 660.3, 660.4, 660.5, 661, 661.1, 661.2, 661.3, 661.4, 662, 663, 663.1, 664, 665, 666, 667, 667.1, 667.2, 668, 668.1, 668.2, 669, 669.1, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 804.1, 804.2, 804.3, 810, 951, 952, 953, 953.1, 953.2, 954, 954.1, 954.2, 954.3, 954.4, 955, 956, 957, 958, 958.1, 959, 959.1, 960, 960.1, 961, 962, 962.1, 962.2, 963, 963.1, 963.2, 963.3, 964, 969, 974, 975, 1017, 1018.1, 1019, 1020.1, 1025.1, 1025.3, 1028.2, 1028.3, 1028.4, 1032, 1033, 1036.1, 1036.2, 1037.1, 1046, 1048, 1048.1, 1049, 1049.1, 1050, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2107, 2108, 2123, 2124, 5001.1, 5001.2, 5003, 5003.1, 5005, 5005.1, 7201, 7203.1, 7204, 7207, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7218, 7220, 7230, 7231, 7232, 7233, 7234, 7260, 7261, 7262, 7263, 7282, 7283 and 7284; and

• (b) any sign which, by virtue of regulation 17 and item 31 of Schedule 16, incorporates as a symbol a sign shown in a diagram specified in sub-paragraph (a).

• (3) The sign shown in a diagram whose number is specified in an item in column (2) of the Table may be placed at the place or in the circumstances specified in column (3) of that item notwithstanding that it does not in those circumstances indicate the effect of a statutory provision.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Diagram	Circumstances
1.	606	On the central island of a roundabout or in combination with a plate of the type shown in diagram 608.
2.	609	On a road approaching its junction with a dual carriageway road or in combination with a plate of the type shown in diagram 608.
3.	616, 1046	At a site which has been approved by the Secretary of State.
4.	629.2, 629.2A	On— a road which passes under or through a bridge, tunnel or other structure which limits the height of vehicles using that road; or any such bridge, tunnel or other structure.
5.	2003, 2007, 2009, 2107, 2108	When including a symbol represented in— any diagram in Schedule 1; or diagram 629.2 or 629.2A in the circumstances specified in item 4 above.
6.	669, 669.1	When placed to indicate that the prohibition indicated by the sign shown in diagram 629.2 or 629.2A is ahead, provided that that sign has been placed in the circumstances specified in item 4 above.

• (4) The sign shown in diagram 626.2 may be placed only to indicate the effect of a statutory provision which restricts the use of a road carried by a bridge or other structure—

• (a) in the case of vehicles required to be marked with their maximum gross weight, to any vehicle with a maximum gross weight not exceeding that indicated on the sign; or

• (b) in the case of vehicles not required to be marked with their maximum gross weight but required to be marked with their unladen weight, to any vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding the maximum gross weight indicated on the sign.

The placing of certain signs to indicate the beginning of a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit

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• (1) This direction applies to a sign which is shown in diagram 616, 617, 618, 618.1, 618.2, 618.3, 618.3A, 619, 619.1, 619.2, 620, 620.1, 622.1A, 622.4, 622.5, 622.6, 625.1, 626.2, 627.1, 629, 629.1, 629.2, 629.2A, 632, 642, 646, 663, 663.1, 665, 667, 667.1, 668, 668.1, 670, 672, 674, 951, 952, 953, 953.1, 955, 956 or 957 and which is placed to indicate the point at which a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit applying to traffic on a road (in this direction called “the relevant road”) begins.

• (2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a sign to which this direction applies shall be placed on the relevant road at or as near as practicable to the point referred to in paragraph (1)—

• (a) where the road has only one carriageway, on each side of the carriageway of the road; or

• (b) where the road has more than one carriageway, on each side of each carriageway in relation to which the restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit begins.

• (3) Where the relevant road has one carriageway, signs to which this direction applies need only be placed on one side of the relevant road to indicate the point at which a restriction, requirement, prohibition (but not a speed limit) begins—

• (a) where the restriction, requirement or prohibition applies only to traffic on one side of the relevant road; or

• (b) at a junction where—

• (i) traffic proceeding on another road on which it is permitted to proceed only in one direction turns into the relevant road; or

• (ii) the relevant road is less than 5 metres wide.

• (4) Where a length of road which passes under or through a bridge, tunnel or other structure is subject to a prohibition on vehicles exceeding a particular height, the sign shown in diagram 629.2 or 629.2A may be placed on the bridge, tunnel or other structure to indicate the prohibition in addition to or instead of the signs placed as required by paragraph (2).

The placing of certain signs to indicate the end of a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit

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• (1) When a sign shown in diagram 618.4, 622.2, 645, 647, 664, 666, 667.2, 668.2, 673, 675 or 964 is placed to indicate the point at which traffic on a road ceases to be subject to a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit, the sign shall be placed on the road as near as practicable to that point.

• (2) Where a length of road ceases to be subject to a speed limit and becomes subject to a national speed limit, the sign shown in diagram 671 shall be placed at or as near as practicable to the point where the speed limit ends and a national speed limit begins, except in a case where a restriction of speed has been imposed under section 14 of the 1984 Act by reason of works which are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road in which case

• (a) the sign shown—

• (i) in diagram 7006; or

• (ii) in diagram 7001 when placed in combination with the plate shown in diagram 645;

shall be placed as indicated above in this paragraph; and

• (b) the sign shown in diagram 671 may also be so placed.

• (3) When a sign shown in diagram 671, 673 or 675 is placed to indicate the point at which traffic on a road ceases to be subject to a speed limit—

• (a) where the road has only one carriageway, one such sign shall be placed on each side of the carriageway of the road; or

• (b) where the road has more than one carriageway, one such sign shall be placed on each side of each carriageway on which the speed limit ends.

Repeater signs

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• (1) Paragraph (2) applies to the signs shown in diagrams 614, 632, 636, 636.1, 637, 637.1, 637.2, 637.3, 638, 638.1 when the arrow is omitted, 639 when the arrow is omitted, 640 when the arrow is omitted, 642, 646, 670, 672, 956, 957, 959, 959.1, 960, 960.1 and 961.

• (2) Signs to which this paragraph applies shall be placed at regular intervals along a road which is subject to a restriction, requirement, prohibition or speed limit which can be indicated by the signs, except that the sign shown in diagram 670 shall not be placed along a road which is—

• (a) in England and Wales a restricted road as defined by section 82 of the 1984 Act and in Scotland a road as respects which there is in force an order prohibiting the driving of motor vehicles at a speed exceeding 30 miles per hour and on which there is provided a system of carriageway lighting furnished by means of lamps placed not more than 185 metres apart; or

• (b) a motorway on which a national speed limit is in force.

• (3) The sign shown in diagram 671 shall be placed at regular intervals along the length of a road (other than a motorway) on which—

• (a) there is a system of street or carriageway lighting furnished by lamps lit by electricity placed not more than 183 metres apart in England and Wales or not more than 185 metres apart in Scotland; and

• (b) a national speed limit is in force.

Signs to be placed only on specified types of road

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• (1) The signs shown in diagrams 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2030, 2030.1, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2313, 2314, 2315 and 2315.1 may be placed only on or near a primary route.

• (2) The signs shown in diagrams 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 may be placed only on a primary route, or on a non-primary route at a junction with a primary route.

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• (1) The signs shown in diagrams 2101, 2101.1, 2101.2, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2113.1, 2114, 2115, 2115.1, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2128, 2130, 2131, 2133, 2135, 2138, 2310, 2311, 2312 and 2312.1 may be placed only on or near a non-primary route.

• (2) The signs shown in diagrams 2125, 2126, 2127, 2132, 2134, 2136, 2137, 2322, 2323 and 2807 may be placed only on or near a non-primary route, or on a primary route at a junction with a non-primary route.

• (3) The signs shown in diagrams 1012.3, 2031, 2129, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2308, 2309, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2501, 2502, 2503, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2509, 2601, 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2610.1, 2610.2, 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707, 2708, 2709, 2710, 2712, 2713.1, 2801, 2802, 2803, 2804, 2805, 2806 and 7240 may not be placed on a motorway.

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• (1) The signs shown in diagrams 832.3, 1012.2, 1042, 2901, 2903, 2904, 2904.1, 2905, 2906, 2908, 2909, 2910, 2910.1, 2911, 2912, 2913, 2914, 2915, 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2920, 2922, 2923, 2924, 2925, 2926, 2927, 2928, 2929, 2930, 2931, 2932, 7002, 7212, 7220, 7230 and 7233 may be placed only on or near a motorway.

• (2) The signs shown in diagrams 2902 and 2902.1 may be placed only on a motorway or on another road at a junction with a motorway.

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• (1) The signs shown in diagrams 823, 824, 825, 868, 868.1, 872, 873, 874, 875 and 876 may be placed only on or near—

• (a) a motorway when the colour of the background of the sign is blue;

• (b) a primary route when the colour of the background of the sign is green; or

• (c) a non-primary route when the colour of the background of the sign is white.

• (2) The sign shown in diagram 877 may be placed only on or near—

• (a) a primary route when the colour of the background of the sign is green; or

• (b) a non-primary route when the colour of the background of the sign is white.

Signs to be placed only in conjunction with specified road markings (except signs for prohibitions and restrictions on waiting etc)

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