The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), a sign shown in a diagram whose number appears and is placed in the circumstances (if any) or is in the form (if any) specified in an item in column (2) in the Table may be placed on a road only in conjunction with a road marking shown in a diagram whose number appears and is in the form (if any) specified in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Sign diagram number	Road marking diagram number
1.	557.1	1060, 1060.1, 1061 or 1061.1
2.	601.1	1002.1 and 1022
3.	602	1003 and 1023
4.	611.1 if placed in conjunction with diagram 602	1003, 1003.4 and 1023
5.	611.1	1003.3 and 1003.4
6.	957	1057
7.	959	1048 and 1049
8.	959.1	1049 varied to a width of 150 millimetres and 1057
9.	960	1048 and 1049
10.	960 varied to include pedal cycle symbol	1048.1 and 1049
11.	960.1	1049 varied to a width of 150 millimetres and 1057

• (2) The provisions of paragraph (1) requiring the placing of a sign shown in diagram 601.1, 602 or 611.1 in conjunction with a road marking shall not apply during the execution of works on a road near the sign—

• (a) if those works necessitate the temporary removal of the marking; or

• (b) if the sign is erected only temporarily in connection with the execution of works on a road.

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

16

• (1) A road marking shown in a diagram whose number appears and is placed in the circumstances (if any) specified in an item in column (2) of the Table may be placed on the carriageway of a road only in conjunction with a road marking or sign shown in a diagram whose number appears and is in the form (if any) specified in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Road marking diagram number	Road marking or sign number
1.	1001 unless placed at a site where traffic is from time to time controlled by a constable	3000, 3000.1, 3000.2, 3000.3, 3000.4, 3000.5, 3000.6 or 3014
2.	1002.1 and 1022	601.1
3.	1003.3	611.1 and 1003.4
4.	1003.4	611.1
5.	1022	601.1 and 1002.1
6.	1023	1003
7.	1024.1	1010 and 1014
8.	1048	1049 and either 959 or 960
9.	1048.1	1049 and 960 varied to include the pedal cycle symbol
10.	1049	957 and 1057, or 1048 and either 959 or 960, or 1048.1 and 960 varied to include the pedal cycle symbol, or 1057 and either 959.1 or 960.1
11.	1049.1	957 and 1057
12.	1050	964 and 1049
13.	1057	955, 956, 957, 959.1, 960.1 or 967
14.	1058	1057
15.	1059	1057
16.	1060, 1060.1, 1061, 1061.1 unless 557.1 placed in a zone indicated by the sign shown in diagram 674

• (2) A road marking shown in diagram 1003, 1023 or 1049 when varied in size to conform with any of the smaller dimensions prescribed for it may be placed on the carriageway only in conjunction with the marking shown in diagram 1057 and with one or more of the signs shown in diagrams 955, 957, 959.1, 960.1 and 967.

• (3) The road marking shown in diagram 1009 when varied in size to conform with the smallest dimensions prescribed for it may be placed on the carriageway only to mark the junction of a cycle track and another road and in conjunction with the road markings shown in diagrams 1003 and 1023 and having the smaller dimensions prescribed for them.

The placing of the signs shown in diagrams 615 and 811

17

The signs shown in diagrams 615 and 811 may be placed on a road only in conjunction with one another.

Signs to be placed only in combination with specified plates or other signs

18

• (1) A sign shown in a diagram whose number appears and is placed in the circumstances (if any) specified in an item in column (2) of the Table may be placed on a road only in combination with a plate shown in the diagram whose number appears in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Sign diagram number	Plate diagram number
1.	501 when placed in advance of the sign shown in diagram 601.1	502
2.	501 when placed in advance of the sign shown in diagram 602	503
3.	544.2	547.4
4.	553.1	553.2
5.	554.2	554.3
6.	556.1	556.2
7.	557.1	557.2, 557.3 or 557.4
8.	562	563, 563.1 or 7022
9.	583	583.1
10.	615	615.1
11.	617	618 or 618.1
12.	779	780, 780.1 or 780.2
13.	811	811.1
14.	953	953.2
15.	953.1	953.2

• (2) The sign shown in diagram 545 may be placed on a road only in combination with a plate shown in diagram 546, 547.1, 547.2, 547.3 or 547.7 or the sign shown in diagram 4004.

• (3) A sign shown in diagram 515.1A or 515.2 may be placed on a road only in combination with the sign shown in diagram 606.

Plates to be placed only in combination with specified signs

19

A plate shown in a diagram whose number appears and is in the form (if any) specified in an item in column (2) of the Table may be placed on a road only in combination with a sign shown in a diagram whose number appears and is placed in the circumstances (if any) specified in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Plate diagram number	Sign diagram number
1.	502	501
2.	503	501
3.	511	504.1, 505.1, 506.1, 507.1, 510, 512, 512.1, 512.2, 513, 516, 517, 520, 523.1, 524.1, 528 or 556
4.	511 when varied to “HEAVY PLANT CROSSING”	504.1, 505.1, 506.1, 507.1, 512.1 or 512.2
5.	513.1	512, 512.1, 512.2 or 513
6.	513.2	512, 512.1, 512.2, 513 or 7009
7.	518	516, 517 or 520
8.	519	516 or 517
9.	525	523.1 or 524.1
10.	526	512, 512.1, 512.2, 513, 523.1, 524.1 or 554.1
11.	527	523.1 or 524.1
12.	530.1	530
13.	530.2	530, 629.2 or 629.2A
14.	531.2	531.1
15.	543.1	543, 3000, 3000.3, 3000.4, 3000.5 or 3000.6
16.	546	545
17.	547.1	545
18.	547.2	545
19.	547.3	544.1 or 545
20.	547.4	544.2
21.	547.5	544
22.	547.6	543
23.	547.7	545
24.	548.1	548 when placed in advance of the sign shown in diagram 4005
25.	553	552
26.	553.2	553.1
27.	554.3	554.2, 622.1A, 622.4, 629, 629.1 or 632
28.	556.2	556.1
29.	557.2	557.1
30.	557.3	557.1
31.	557.4	557.1
32.	558.2	558
33.	563	562
34.	563.1	562
35.	570	513, 516 when placed in combination with 518 or 519, 517 when placed in combination with 518 or 519, 521, 523.1, 524.1, 548, 549, 550, 550.1, 51, 551.1, 551.2, 553.1, 554.2, 556, 556.1, 557, 558, 558.1, 559, 581, 582, 614, 615, 632, 642, 811, 7001 or 7009
36.	572	504.1, 505.1, 506.1, 507.1, 516, 517, 520, 521, 522, 523.1, 524.1, 528, 529, 529.1, 530, 531.1, 543, 544, 544.1, 544.2, 545, 552, 554, 555, 562, 770, 771, 772, 782, 950, 7001 or 7009
37.	573	516, 517, 523.1, 524.1, 528, 529, 529.1, 530, 531.1, 543, 544, 544.1, 544.2, 545, 552, 554, 555, 562, 770, 771, 772, 782, 950, 7001 or 7009
38.	575	516, 517, 528 or 529.1
39.	583.1	583
40.	607	606 or 609
41.	608	501, 601.1, 602, 606, 609 or 610
42.	615.1	615
43.	618	617
44.	618.1	617
45.	620	619, 619.1, 619.2, 622.1A, 622.5, 622.6, 629, 629.1 or 952
46.	620.1	619 or 619.1
47.	627.1	626.2
48.	643	636 or 642
49.	644	636 or 642
50.	645	614, 615, 632, 642, 811 or 7001
51.	773	529, 529.1, 558, 770, 771 or 772
52.	778	602
53.	778.1	602
54.	780	779
55.	780.1	779
56.	780.2	779
57.	804.1	801
58.	804.2	801
59.	804.3	801
60.	811.1	811
61.	817.2	523.1 and either 523 or 526, or 554.1 and 526
62.	876	868, 868.1, 872, 873, 874 or 875
63.	950.1	950
64.	953.2	953 or 953.1
65.	954	606, 609, 612, 613, 616, 629 or 629.1
66.	954.1	606, 609, 612, 613, 616, 629 or 629.1
67.	954.2	606, 609, 612, 613, 616, 629, 629.1 or 952
68.	954.3	606, 609, 612 or 613
69.	954.4	606, 609, 612, 613 or 816
70.	961	958, 958.1, 959 or 959.1
71.	7001.1	7001
72.	7001.2	7001
73.	7021	7001
74.	7022	562
75.	7208	7202, 7206 or 7207
76.	7209	7203, 7203.1, 7204 or 7205
77.	7256	7250, 7251, 7252, 7253, 7254 or 7255
78.	7401.1	7401

• (2) A plate shown in diagram 954.3 or 954.4 shall not be placed in combination with the sign shown in diagram 616.

Placing of road markings and signs to indicate prohibitions and restrictions on waiting, loading and unloading and parking

20

• (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3)—

• (a) the road marking shown in diagram 1018.1 may be placed on a side of a road only for the purpose of indicating a statutory prohibition or restriction on the waiting of vehicles which applies on that side of the road at all times of day on every day of the year or on every day in a period of at least four consecutive months;

• (b) the road marking shown in diagram 1017 may be placed on a side of a road only for the purpose of indicating a statutory prohibition or restriction on the waiting of vehicles which is not a restriction of the kind mentioned in sub-paragraph (a).

• (2) In this direction, references to a statutory prohibition or restriction on the waiting of a vehicle do not include references to any such prohibition or restriction imposed—

• (a) on waiting for the purpose of loading or unloading goods from a vehicle or picking up or setting down passengers from a vehicle;

• (b) expressly to limit the duration of waiting of vehicles within a particular period; or

• (c) on the waiting of goods vehicles (as defined by section 192(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988[^f00029]) but of no other class of vehicle.

• (3) A road marking shown in diagram 1017 or 1018.1 shall not be placed on a road on which a marking shown in diagram 1025.1 or 1025.3 is placed, or on which the marking shown in diagram 1027.1 is placed in conjunction with the sign shown in diagram 642.2 unless the restrictions indicated by the marking shown in diagram 1017 or 1018.1 apply on that road at times other than those indicated on the sign shown in diagram 642.2.

21

• (1) The road marking shown in diagram 1020.1 may be placed on a side of the carriageway of a road only for the purpose of indicating a statutory prohibition or restriction on the waiting of vehicles for the purpose of their being loaded or unloaded which applies on that side of the road at all times of the day on every day of the year or on every day in a period of at least four consecutive months.

• (2) The road marking shown in diagram 1019 may be placed on a side of the carriageway of a road only for the purpose of indicating a statutory prohibition or restriction on the waiting of vehicles for the purpose of their being loaded or unloaded (but not for indicating a statutory prohibition or restriction which expressly limits the duration of waiting by vehicles within a particular period for that purpose) which is not a restriction of the kind mentioned in paragraph (1).

22

• (1) Except where it is placed to indicate the effect of a temporary statutory provision, a sign shown in a diagram whose number appears in column (2) of an item in the Table shall not be placed except—

• (a) on or near the side of a road, and

• (b) in conjunction with, and on the same side of the road as, a road marking which is shown in a diagram and is in the form (if any) indicated in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Sign diagram number	Road marking diagram
1.	637	1018.1
2.	637.3	1018.1
3.	638	1020.1
4.	638.1	1019
5.	639	1017
6.	639.1A	1017 and 1028.4 (when no legend appears) or 1033
7.	640	1017 and 1019
8.	642.2	1027.1
9.	642.3	1018.1 and 1020.1
10.	650.1	1028.2 when indicating “TAXIS”
11.	650.2	1028.2 when indicating “TAXIS”
12.	660	1028.3 when varied to indicate “LARGE OR SLOW VEHICLES ONLY”, 1028.4 when indicating “DOCTOR” or when no legend appears, or 1033
13.	660.3	1028.4 when indicating “DOCTOR” or when no legend appears, or 1033
14.	660.4	1028.3 when varied to indicate “LOADING ONLY”, or 1033
15.	660.5	1028.4 when no legend appears, 1032 or 1033
16.	661	1028.3 or 1033 when either road marking is indicating “DISABLED” or when no legend appears
17.	661.1	1028.4 when no legend appears, 1032 or 1033
18.	661.2	1028.4 when no legend appears, 1032 or 1033
19.	662	1028.4 when no legend appears, 1032 or 1033
20.	974	1025.1 or 1025.3
21.	975	1025.1 or 1025.3 when either marking is varied to “BUS STAND”

• (2) Subject to paragraph (3) the sign shown in diagram 637.2 may be placed only on a road within a pedestrian zone where a sign shown in diagram 618.2, 618.3 or 618.3A is placed at each entrance into the zone for vehicular traffic.

• (3) The sign shown in diagram 637.2 shall not be used on a road within the pedestrian zone to which the sign relates except in conjunction with—

• (a) the road marking shown in diagram 1017 or 1018.1 unless—

• (i) the road does not comprise a carriageway and footway which are separately defined;

• (ii) the entry of vehicular traffic into the pedestrian zone is restricted at the same times as those at which the waiting of vehicles is prohibited as indicated on the upper panel of the sign in diagram 637.2; and

• (iii) the prohibition on the waiting of vehicles applies uniformly throughout every road in the zone, and

• (b) where there is a prohibition on the loading and unloading of vehicles, the road marking shown in diagram 1019 or 1020.1 unless—

• (i) the road does not comprise a carriageway and footway which are separately defined;

• (ii) the entry of vehicular traffic into the pedestrian zone is restricted at the same times as those at which the loading and unloading of vehicles is prohibited as indicated on the lower panel of the sign in diagram 637.2; and

• (iii) the prohibition on the loading and unloading of vehicles applies uniformly throughout every road in the zone.

23

• (1) Subject to paragraph (2) a road marking shown in a diagram whose number appears and is in the form (if any) specified in an item in column (2) of the Table may be placed on the carriageway only in conjunction with, and on the same side of the road as, a sign shown in a diagram whose number appears and is in the form specified (if any) in column (3) of that item.

(1)	(2)	(3)
Item	Road marking diagram number	Sign diagram number
1.	1017	637.2, 639, 639.1A or 640
2.	1018.1	637, 637.2, 637.3 or 642.3
3.	1019	637.2, 638.1 or 640
4.	1020.1	637.2, 638 or 642.3
5.	1025.1	974 or 975
6.	1025.3	974 or 975
7.	1028.2 when indicating “TAXIS”	650.1 or 650.2
8.	1028.2 when varied to “BUSES” or “COACHES”	969
9.	1028.3 when indicating “DISABLED” or when no legend appears	661
10.	1028.3 when varied to “LARGE OR varied to” Large or slow “SLOW VEHICLES ONLY vehicles only”	660
11.	1028.3 when varied to “LOADING ONLY”	660.4
12.	1028.4 when indicating “DOCTOR” varied to “Doctor permit holders only”	660
13.	1028.4 when no legend appears	639.1A, 660, 660.3, 660.5, 661.1, 661.2, 661.3, 662 or 801
14.	1033 when indicating “DISABLED”	661

• (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a road marking placed on a road within a controlled parking zone, except where the road marking is placed to indicate restrictions different from the restrictions indicated on a sign shown in diagram 663 or 663.1 placed at the entrances for vehicular traffic into the zone.

• (3) In this direction and direction 24, “controlled parking zone” means either—

• (a) an area—

• (i) in which, except where parking places have been provided, every road has been marked with one or more of the road markings shown in diagrams 1017, 1018.1, 1019 and 1020.1; and

• (ii) into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by a sign shown in diagram 663 or 663.1; or

• (b) an area—

• (i) in which at least one of the signs shown in diagram 640.2A has been placed on each side of every road; and

• (ii) into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by a sign shown in diagram 665.

24

A sign shown in diagram 663, 663.1, 664 , 665 or 666 may be placed only at the boundary of a controlled parking zone.

Signs to be placed only at specified sites or for specified purposes

25

The sign shown in diagram 545, when placed in combination with the plate shown in diagram 547.1, or with a plate shown in either diagram 546 or 547.1 together with the sign shown in diagram 4004, may be placed only near a school crossing place as defined by regulation 39(2).

26

The sign shown in diagram 551.1 may be placed on or near a road only—

• (a) at a site which is approved as a migratory toad crossing by or on behalf of the Secretary of State; and

• (b) during February, March, April and May in each year.

27

The sign shown in diagram 574 may be placed only in or near an infected place or area for the purposes of the Animal Health Act 1981[^f00030] and shall be removed as soon as it ceases to be in or near such a place or area.

28

A sign shown in diagram 830, 830.1, 831 or 832, except when varied to contain the words “WEIGHT CHECK”, and the sign shown in diagram 830.3 except when placed in connection with a weight check, may be placed only in connection with a traffic census the taking of which on a road has been approved—

• (a) by the traffic authority for that road;

• (b) by the chief officer of police of the police area in which the road is situated; and

• (c) by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

29

A sign shown in diagram 833, 834, 835 or 836 may be placed only to regulate the movement of vehicular traffic into and out of premises with more than one access to a road.

30

The sign shown in diagram 957 may be placed on a road only when the road has been divided into a part reserved for the use of pedal cycles only and a part reserved for use by pedestrians only by either or both of the following means—

• (a) the road marking shown in diagram 1049 (when that marking is varied to be 150 millimetres wide) or 1049.1;

• (b) the presence on the road of works such as distinctive colouring of the surface of each part, a kerb or other device.

Restrictions on the placing of temporary signs

31

The signs shown in any diagram in Schedule 12 other than diagrams 7014 and 7103 may be placed only in connection with the execution of works on or near a road or a temporary obstruction thereon, and any such sign so placed and any other sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 11 so placed shall not be retained on or near the road after the completion of the works or the removal of the obstruction, as the case may be, unless—

• (a) it is a sign of the type shown in diagram 7009, in which case that sign may be retained on or near a road after the completion of the works for so long as the traffic authority for the road thinks fit; or

• (b) it is a sign of the type shown in diagram 7012 bearing the words “NO GIVE WAY MARKINGS” or “NO STOP MARKINGS”, in which case that sign shall be removed as soon as the road markings have been replaced and in any event not later than 28 days after the completion of the works.

32

A sign shown in diagram 790 or 7014 may be placed on or near a road only in connection with works involving an alteration in the layout of the carriageway or involving the removal of or a change in the road markings or other traffic signs placed on or near a road or, in the case of the sign shown in diagram 790, at an automatic railway level crossing, and may be retained for not more than 3 months after completion of those works.

33

• (1) No sign of the kind referred to in regulation 41 may be retained at any place for more than six months (or such longer period as the Secretary of State may approve) after the placing of the sign there or in any event after the sign has ceased to be needed at that place.

• (2) The sign shown in diagram 2701 may be retained on or near a road for not more than six months after completion of the housing development to which it refers.

34

• (1) A sign shown in diagram 7023 or 7024 may be placed on or near a road only where one-way working is necessary owing to a temporary closure to vehicular traffic of a part of the width of the carriageway of the road.

• (2) A sign shown in diagram 829.1, 829.2, 829.3, 829.4 or 1063 may be placed on or near a road only by a constable in uniform or a person acting under the instructions or authority of the chief officer of police.

• (3) A sign shown in diagram 554 (when varied to “Flood” or “No smoking”), 554.2 (when placed in conjunction with the plate shown in diagram 554.3), or 562 (when placed in combination with the plate shown in diagram 563 varied to “Accident”, “Census”, “Dust cloud”, “Fallen tree”, “Overhead cable repairs” or “Smoke”) may be retained only on or near a road for so long as the hazard indicated by the sign continues to exist or is expected to recur in the near future.

• (4) The sign shown in diagram 950 may be placed in combination with the plate shown in diagram 950.1 only while the training or testing of child cyclists is in progress.

Placing of signs varied to show metric units

35

• (1) Where the indication given by a sign shown in diagram 629, 629.1, 780, 780.1 or 780.2 is varied in accordance with regulation 17 and item 2 of Schedule 16, that sign may be placed only in combination with another sign of the same type whose indication has not been so varied.

• (2) Paragraph (1) shall apply when a sign shown in diagram 629 or 629.1 is incorporated as a symbol into another sign.

Mounting and backing of signs

36

• (1) Where a sign shown in a diagram (other than the diagrams referred to in paragraphs (2) to (4) or direction 38 or 39) in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, Part II of Schedule 10, Schedule 12 or a sign prescribed in regulation 41 is mounted on a post specially provided for the purpose (“the post”), that part of the post which extends above ground level shall be coloured grey or black, except that—

• (a) where the post is made of aluminium, concrete, galvanised metal or wood, the post may retain its natural colour; and

• (b) where the post is not likely to be readily visible to pedestrians if wholly coloured grey or black, a yellow or white band not less than 140 nor more than 160 millimetres deep may be provided on the post, the lower edge of the band being not less than 1500 nor more than 1700 millimetres above ground level.

• (2) Where a beacon or lamp of a kind prescribed by regulation 42 or 43 is mounted on a structure specially provided for the purpose, the structure shall be coloured grey, red, white or yellow, or in alternate bands of red and white or of black and white.

• (3) The post provided for the mounting of the sign shown in diagram 605.2 shall be coloured in alternate black and yellow bands each 300 millimetres deep with a black band uppermost below the bottom of the sign face, and the yellow bands may be illuminated by means of retroreflecting material.

• (4) A post or other support provided for the mounting of a sign shown in diagram 651, 970, 971, 972, 973, 973.1, 2610, 2610.1, 2610.2, 7104 or 7105 may be of any colour.

37

• (1) The back of any sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, Part II of Schedule 10 or in Schedule 12, or prescribed in regulation 41, other than a sign shown in diagram 651, 970, 971, 972, 973, 973.1, 2610, 2610.1, 2610.2, 7101, 7102, 7103, 7104 or 7105, and the back of any backing board or other fitting provided for the assembly of such a sign including any container enclosing apparatus for the illumination of that sign, shall be coloured—

• (a) black if the sign is mounted on the same post as that on which light signals prescribed in regulation 30(2) (or those signals as varied by regulation 31) or light signals prescribed in regulation 30(3) and regulation 32 are mounted; or

• (b) grey, black or in a non-reflective metallic finish in any other case, except that—

• (i) information about sites for placing and the ownership of the sign may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding 15 millimetres in height; and

• (ii) information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with British Standard Specification BS 873 or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State, occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding 5 millimetres in height.

• (2) The back of a sign shown in diagram 7104 or 7105 shall be coloured grey, red, white, black or yellow, except that—

• (a) information about sites for placing and the ownership of the sign may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding 15 millimetres in height; and

• (b) information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with British Standard Specification BS 873 or an equivalent specification of a European Economic Area State, occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding 5 millimetres in height.

• (3) The back of a sign shown in diagram 651, 970, 971, 972, 973, 973.1, 2610, 2610.1 or 2610.2 may be of any colour.

• (4) The front of any backing board for a sign mounted otherwise than as described in paragraph (1)(a) shall be coloured either grey or yellow.

• (5) Any sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, Part II of Schedule 10, or Schedule 12 which has a red or black border may have a white edge added not less than 10 nor more than 20 millimetres wide, outside that border.

• (6) In this direction “backing board” in relation to a sign includes any background against which the sign is displayed.

Mounting of the sign shown in diagram 781

38

The sign shown in diagram 781 shall be mounted on two posts and so much of each post as extends above ground level shall be coloured black and white in alternate horizontal bands, each band being not less than 250 nor more than 335 millimetres deep.

Mounting of the signs shown in diagrams 560 and 561

39

• (1) A sign shown in diagram 560 or 561 shall be so placed that the top of the sign is not less than 550 nor more than 1000 millimetres above the surface of the adjacent carriageway.

• (2) Where a sign shown in diagram 560 or 561 is mounted on a post specially provided for the purpose that part of the post which extends above ground level shall be coloured black and white in alternate horizontal bands, each band being not less than 225 nor more than 350 millimetres deep.

• (3) The signs shown in diagrams 560 and 561 shall be so erected as to display—

• (a) the colour red on the left hand edge of the carriageway as viewed by the drivers of approaching vehicles; and

• (b) the colour white on the right hand edge of the carriageway when so viewed, unless the edge is the edge of the carriageway of a dual carriageway road when the colour amber shall be displayed.

Mounting of refuge indicator lamps

40

• (1) Save as provided in paragraph (2), where the lamp prescribed in regulation 45 is mounted on a post specially provided for the purpose—

• (a) if the post is placed on a street refuge or central reservation of a zebra crossing and yellow globes are attached to or mounted on the post—

• (i) the part of the post between ground level and the point where the yellow globes are mounted or attached shall be coloured black and white in alternate horizontal bands, the lowest band visible to approaching traffic being coloured black and not less than 275 millimetres nor more than 1 metre deep, and each other band being not less than 275 nor more than 335 millimetres deep; and

• (ii) beyond the point referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i) any remaining part of the post shall be coloured in accordance with sub-paragraph (b); and

• (b) if the post—

• (i) is a post placed as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) but yellow globes are not attached to or mounted on it; or

• (ii) is placed elsewhere than on a zebra crossing,

the post shall be coloured grey or black but with two white bands (each band being not less than 275 nor more than 335 millimetres deep) so arranged that—

• (i) at least 275 nor more than 335 millimetres extend between the nearest edges of the two bands; and

• (ii) the upper edge of the uppermost band is not less than 275 nor more than 335 millimetres below the lowest part of the lamp,

and the white bands may be internally illuminated.

• (2) Where a post of the kind mentioned in paragraph (1) consists of aluminium, concrete or galvanised metal it may remain in its natural colour.

• (3) In this paragraph “zebra crossing” has the same meaning as in the 1971 Regulations and “yellow globes” means globes in relation to which Part II of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Regulations is complied with.

Mounting and backing of light signals, matrix signs and warning lights

41

• (1) Light signals such as are prescribed in regulations 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37 and 38, the matrix signals prescribed in regulation 36 and the warning lights prescribed in regulations 39(2) and 40 may be placed on or near a road only if they are so placed that they face the stream of traffic to which they are intended to convey the warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions prescribed by the Regulations.

• (2) The containers enclosing the lamps of each of the types of light signals, matrix signs or warning lights mentioned in paragraph (1) shall be coloured black except that, if those containers enclose lamps of the light signals prescribed in paragraph (5) or (7) of regulation 30, or in regulation 34 or 35, the matrix signs prescribed in regulation 36 or the warning lights prescribed in regulation 39(2) and 40, they may be coloured grey instead of black.

• (3) Any of the kinds of light signals mentioned in paragraph (1) other than the signals prescribed in regulation 30(7) may be mounted on a backing board, which shall be coloured black and may have a white border not less than 45 nor more than 55 millimetres wide.

• (4) In the case of the light signals prescribed in of regulation 30(7) the back of the backing board shown in diagram 3014 may be coloured black or grey.

• (5) In the case of the matrix signs prescribed in regulation 36, an identification number may be shown on the front of the backing board below the signal in the manner shown in diagram 6022.

• (6) Without prejudice to paragraph (7), where light signals prescribed in any of the regulations specified in paragraph (1) or shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 10 or in Schedule 11 are mounted on a post specially provided for the purpose, that part of the post which extends above ground level shall be coloured grey or black and may have one yellow or white band not less than 140 nor more than 160 millimetres deep, the lower edge of the band being not less than 1500 nor more than 1700 millimetres above ground level.

• (7) The light signals, matrix signs or warning lights prescribed in regulation 32, instead of being mounted on a post coloured in accordance with paragraph (6), may be mounted on a post coloured yellow (but having no yellow or white band as specified in paragraph (6)) or on a tripod coloured yellow.

Placing of road marking shown in diagram 1001 in conjunction with light signals

42

• (1) The light signals prescribed in paragraph (2), (3) or (7) of regulation 30 may be placed only in conjunction with the road marking shown in diagram 1001, except that this paragraph shall not apply while works which necessitate the temporary removal of that road marking are being executed on a road near the light signals.

• (2) Where both primary and secondary signals within the meaning of regulation 33(6) have been erected, the references in paragraph (1) to light signals shall be construed as references to—

• (a) both the primary and the secondary signals;

• (b) the primary signals operating alone; or

• (c) the secondary signals operating alone,

as the case may be.

Placing of road marking shown in diagram 1014 in conjunction with the road marking shown in diagram 1013.1 or 1013.3

43

• (1) At least one road marking of the type shown in diagram 1014 shall be placed in conjunction with a road marking of the type shown in diagram 1013.1 or 1013.3 on the length of carriageway which extends backwards from the commencement of any continuous line marked on the carriageway as a part of the road marking shown in diagram 1013.1 or 1013.3, such commencement being viewed in the direction of travel of a vehicle driven so as to have and keep that continuous line on the right hand or off side thereof in accordance with regulation 26(2)(b).

• (2) If more than one road marking of the type shown in diagram 1014 is placed on a length of carriageway, then the road markings shall be so spaced apart that one follows in line behind the other.

Placing of light signals prescribed in regulation 30(5) and in regulation 35 and signs and light signals shown in Schedule 11

44

The light signals prescribed in regulation 30(5) and regulation 35 and the signs and light signals shown in any diagram in Schedule 11 may be displayed only on or near—

• (a) a motorway; or

• (b) a dual carriageway road.

45

The light signals prescribed in regulation 30(5) shall not be displayed over or in relation to a traffic lane at the same time as any sign shown in diagram 6001, 6002, 6003, 6006, 6006.1, 6008, 6009, 6009.1, 6009.2, 6011 or 6012 is also being displayed over or in relation to that same traffic lane and at the same place on that lane.

46

A sign shown in diagram 6021 or 6031.1 may be displayed only over a traffic lane and a sign shown in diagram 6006, 6006.1, 6006.2, 6008, 6008.1, 6009, 6009.1, 6009.2, 6009.3, 6022 or 6032.1 may be displayed only at the side of the carriageway to which the indications given by the sign relate, or projecting over part of that carriageway, so as to communicate information to drivers in all traffic lanes.

Placing of light signals prescribed in regulation 32

47

Portable light signals may be placed for the control of vehicular traffic only at a site approved by the traffic authority except—

• (a) where the signals are being operated and maintained by and are under the regular supervision of a constable during the progress of a temporary scheme of traffic control;

• (b) on a length of road along which—

• (i) there is no junction carrying vehicular traffic to or from it; and

• (ii) the width of the carriageway is temporarily restricted so as to carry only one line of traffic;

• (c) at a level crossing when work in relation to that crossing is being carried out; or

• (d) on a road adjacent to the temporary site of road, building or engineering works used for the movement of vehicles, materials, plant or equipment within the site of the works.

Placing of various light signals

48

• (1) The light signals shown in diagram 4004 may be placed only in conjunction with the sign shown in diagram 545 when placed in conjunction with the plate shown in diagram 546 or 547.1.

• (2) The light signals shown in diagram 4005 may be placed on or near a road only when the sign shown in diagram 548 in conjunction with the plate shown in diagram 548.1 is placed in advance of those signals.

• (3) The light signals shown in diagram 4006 may be placed only in conjunction with the light signals shown in diagram 3014.

• (4) The sign shown in diagram 4003 may be placed only in conjunction with the light signals shown in diagram 4002 for the purpose of conveying to pedestrians the indications specified in diagram 4003.

• (5) The light signals shown in diagram 4002 may be placed only in conjunction with the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2) or (3) of regulation 30.

• (6) The light signal shown in diagram 776 may be placed only at or near a level crossing and the legend shall be displayed to road traffic in black letters on a red background which is internally illuminated by means of electricity only when a railway vehicle or tramcar has just passed over the level crossing and another is approaching.

Approval of signs and signals

49

• (1) Save as provided in this direction, the light signals prescribed in regulations 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37 and 38, the matrix signs prescribed in regulation 36, the warning lights prescribed in regulations 39(2) and 40, the audible and tactile signals prescribed in regulation 37, a sign shown in diagram 618.3A, 776 or 2509, any light signals or signs shown in a diagram in Schedule 11, variable message signs and any other signs not continuously in use over a period of 24 hours and which are capable of being brought into and taken out of use by the operation of any electrical or other apparatus may be placed on or near a road only if at the time that they are first placed—

• (a) the signal, sign or any apparatus (including the content of all instructions stored in, or executable by it) used in connection with the signal or sign is approved in writing in accordance with the relevant requirements laid down by the Secretary of State; and

• (b) in the case of signals prescribed in regulation 30(7) or regulation 38 the signals are to be erected at or near a level crossing, and the site for, and the number and disposition of, those signals has first been approved in writing by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

• (2) Paragraph (1)(b) shall not apply to signals displayed to indicate the effect of Orders made by the Secretary of State under—

• (a) section 66 of the British Transport Commission Act 1957[^f00031];

• (b) section 124 of the Transport Act 1968[^f00032]; or

• (c) section 1 of the Level Crossings Act 1983[^f00033].

• (3) If, after a signal or sign has been placed in accordance with an approval under paragraph (1), the signal, sign or any apparatus used in connection with the signal or sign is altered, the signal or sign shall not be further used unless that alteration is approved in writing by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

• (4) Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall not apply to variable message signs which are only manually operated without any assistance by electrical or mechanical means.

• (5) When any signal or sign has been placed in accordance with an approval under paragraph (1), the signal, the sign or any apparatus used in connection with the signal or sign, including any alterations approved in accordance with paragraph (3), shall be regarded as continuing to be approved until notice is given in writing by the Secretary of State—

• (a) to the traffic authority; and

• (b) either—

• (i) to the supplier of the equipment; or

• (ii) where an alteration has been approved in accordance with paragraph (3), to the person who carried out the alteration,

of a date after which the signal, sign or apparatus is no longer to be so regarded.

• (6) Where notice is given under paragraph (5) that a signal, sign or any apparatus used in connection with the signal or sign shall no longer be regarded as being approved that signal, sign or apparatus shall be removed from the road on or before the date given in the notice.

Approval of studs

50

• (1) Studs incorporating reflectors, retroreflecting material or a steady or intermittent light source may be placed on a road only if such studs are approved in writing in accordance with requirements laid down by the Secretary of State.

• (2) When any stud has been placed in accordance with an approval under paragraph (1), the stud shall be regarded as continuing to be approved until notice is given in writing by the Secretary of State to the supplier and to the traffic authority of a date after which the stud is no longer to be so regarded.

• (3) Where notice is given under paragraph (2) that a stud is no longer to be regarded as being approved that stud shall be removed from the road on or before the date given in the notice.

Special directions by the Secretary of State

51

Nothing in these Directions shall be taken to limit the power of the Secretary of State acting as the appropriate Minister by any special direction to dispense with, add to or modify any of the requirements of these Directions in their application to any particular case.

Signed

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Robert Key — Parliamentary Under Secretary of State — Department of Transport — 20th May 1994

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Scotland

James Douglas-Hamilton — Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Scottish Office — 25th May 1994

John Redwood — Secretary of State for Wales — 26th May 1994

Explanatory note

(This Note is not part of the Instrument)

This Instrument in Part I consolidates with amendments the Traffic Signs Regulations 1981 (S. I.1981/859), and all subsequent relevant amending Instruments, and incorporates with amendments the Traffic Signs (Speed Limits) Regulations 1969 (S. I.1969/1487). The principal changes are—

1 Regulation 3 imposes deadlines on the replacement of signs rendered obsolete by these new Regulations.

2 A number of new and revised definitions are included in regulation 4.

3 Regulation 5 defines “speed limit” and speed limit signs are now shown in diagrams 670 to 674 in Schedule 2.

4 Regulation 10 additionally applies section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to the mini-roundabout sign shown in diagram 611.1, to the U-turn prohibition sign shown in diagram 614, to the mandatory height limit signs shown in diagrams 629.2 and 629.2A, to the yellow box markings shown in diagrams 1043, 1044 and 1045, to the “stop” signal for tramcars shown in diagram 3013.1 and to green arrow traffic light signals. The mandatory height limit signs and green arrow traffic light signals are also specified for the purposes of column 5 in Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

5 Regulation 12 imposes a tighter limit of 10% for the amount by which road markings may be smaller than indicated in the diagrams in Schedule 6. New variations are specified for the heights of raised rib and other profiled road markings.

6 Regulation 14 makes provision for certain signs to be attached to police and road maintenance vehicles.

7 Regulation 15 exempts tramcars and trolley buses from the requirements of the “keep left” sign shown in diagram 610.

8 Regulation 17 specifies the permitted variants, but most of the details of the variants are now itemised in Schedule 16.

9 Regulations 18 to 21 specify the illumination requirements, but most of the details of these requirements are now itemised in Schedule 17.

10 Regulations 22 to 24 redefine the meaning of “buses” and the bus symbol to bring the definitions into line with the Transport Act 1985 and the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981. A period until 1 January 1997 is allowed for traffic regulation orders to be changed where necessary to incorporate the revised definitions.

11 Regulation 26 allows vehicles to cross the continuous line of a double white line system to overtake a road maintenance vehicle, pedal cycle or horse moving at no more than 10 miles per hour provided that the driver can see that it is safe to do so.

12 Regulation 28 extends the list of road markings which must be illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material.

13 Regulation 29 introduces revised requirements for the heights of road markings and the sizes of retroreflecting road studs.

14 Regulation 30 specifies the circumstances in which each type of light signal can be used. New light signals are introduced for controlling tramcars.

15 Regulation 33 now includes a reference to the sign shown in diagram 7011 as well as to the stop line in specifying the significance of red traffic light signals. It also provides an exemption for tramcars from the requirement to stop at the standard red traffic light signal.

16 Regulations 35 and 36 now allows the flashing amber warning signal and matrix signs shown in Schedule 11 to be used on all-purpose dual carriageway roads as well as on motorways.

17 Regulation 38 prescribes a new light signal for pedestrians for use at certain level crossings.

18 Regulation 39 now allows the school warning lights shown in diagram 4004 to be operated when children are crossing whether or not a school crossing patrol is present. This will allow the lights to be controlled by automatic timing devices.

19 Regulation 40 prescribes cattle crossing signs and warning lights for the first time.

20 Regulation 41 prescribes the additional colour of blue legend on a white background for temporary signs to special events.

21 The requirements for road danger lamps in regulation 43 have been simplified by reference to the appropriate technical specifications.

22 Regulation 44 prescribes for the first time flat traffic delineators, and rotating retroreflecting devices for mounting on the top of traffic cones.

23 Regulation 46 prescribes the requirements for a wide range of variable message signs.

24 The Schedules of diagrams have been re-arranged to show separately the signs for level crossings, for bus, tramcar and pedal cycle facilities, and for road works. New signs have been introduced in each category of sign including: new designs of warning and regulatory signs for low bridges; warning signs for junctions on bends, farm traffic, helicopters, slow lorries, military vehicles, side winds, soft verges, wild fowl and toads; regulatory signs for pedestrian zones, weak bridges, taxi ranks, voucher and Pay & Display parking facilities; speed limit signs which are now shown in these regulations instead of in a separate Instrument; new designs of level crossing signs; a new range of signs and signals for tramcars; raised rib edge line road markings, a rationalised system of yellow lines for waiting restrictions, and a wider range of hatched markings; a revised and extended system of colour-coding by route for directional signs, white on brown signs to tourist attractions, and a wider range of directional signs to off-street car parks; a new design of green arrow signal, matrix signs for fog and to indicate the end of restrictions, and new designs of lane control signals; a new range of signs for road works. There is greater use of tabular presentation and cross-referencing to the information relating to a particular sign. A table, giving the cross-references to the appropriate regulations, directions, other diagrams and to the permitted variants and illumination requirements, appears below each diagram in the Schedules. These tables are explained in regulation 7. Part II of the Instrument consolidates with amendments the Traffic Signs General Directions 1981, which constituted Part II of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981 (S. I.1981/859), and all subsequent relevant amending Instruments, and incorporates with amendments Part II of the Traffic Signs (Speed Limits) Regulations and General Directions 1969 (S. I.1969/1487). The principal changes are—

1 The directions have been re-grouped and sub-headings introduced.

2 Direction 3 includes a number of new definitions.

3 Direction 6 requires site approval for the use of the new permitted variant of the hatched marking shown in diagrams 1040 and 1040.2 with a continuous white boundary line.

4 Direction 7 now excludes the yellow box road markings shown in diagrams 1044 and 1045 from the requirement to be supported by a traffic regulation order.

5 Directions 8, 9 and 10 set out the requirements for placing signs at the beginning and end of restrictions, requirements, prohibitions or speed limits, and for repeater signs.

6 Directions 11 to 13 specify which directional signs are to be used only on which types of road in accordance with the new colour-coding system.

7 Directions 20 and 21 specify the new requirements for the use of yellow lines and kerb markings to indicate waiting and loading restrictions. Direction 22 includes provision for dispensing with the need for these markings in certain types of pedestrian zone. Directions 23 and 24 specify which vertical signs shall be used with these markings and clarify the requirements for signing in controlled parking zones.

8 Direction 26 specifies the conditions for the use of the toad warning sign shown in diagram 551.1 in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

9 Direction 33 restricts the use of the sign to housing developments shown in diagram 2701 in Part VIII of Schedule 7 to the Regulations.

10 Directions 36 and 37 allow the posts and backs of most signs made from aluminium or galvanised metal to remain in their natural colour.

11 Direction 44 now allows the matrix signs shown in Schedule 11 to the Regulations to be used on all-purpose dual carriageway roads as well as on motorways.

12 Direction 49 includes rationalised requirements for the type approval of light signals, matrix signals and variable message signs. Copies of the British Standard specifications referred to in this Instrument can be obtained from any of the sales outlets operated by the British Standards Institution, or by post from that Institution at Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LE (telephone number 0908 320066).

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1984 c. 27.

[^f00002]: 1988 c. 52.

[^f00003]: S.I. 1985/713.

[^f00004]: S.I. 1957/13, amended by S.I. 1957/149, 1959/761, 1960/1095.

[^f00005]: S.I.1964/1857, amended by S.I. 1966/490, 1969/1269, 1970/468, 1970/1972, 1971/2095.

[^f00006]: S.I. 1981/859, amended by S.I., 1982/1879, 1982/1880, 1983/1086, 1983/1088, 1984/966, 1986/1859, 1987/1706, 1989/2139, 1990/704.

[^f00007]: 1978 c. 30.

[^f00008]: 1985 c. 67.

[^f00009]: 1980 c. 66. Schedule 4 was amended by the Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54), Schedule 3, paragraph 21(3).

[^f00010]: 1984 c. 54.

[^f00011]: S.I. 1987/16.

[^f00012]: 1981 c. 14. Section 1 was amended by the Transport Act 1985 (c. 67), Schedule 8.

[^f00013]: 1984 c. 54.

[^f00014]: 1944 c. 31.

[^f00015]: 1980 c. 44 as amended by the Self-Governing Schools etc (Scotland) Act 1989 (1989 c. 39).

[^f00016]: 1847 c. 89. Section 37 was amended by the Transport Act 1985 (c. 67) section 16(a) and Schedule 8.

[^f00017]: 1869 c. 115. Section 6 was amended byl the Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1976 (c. 16) and by the Transport Act 1981 sections 35(1) and 40(1) and Schedule 12, Part III.

[^f00018]: 1982 c. 45.

[^f00019]: Part II of this Instrument.

[^f00020]: This section was inserted by section 46 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 (1991 c. 40).

[^f00021]: This Order is not a Statutory Instrument. It was amended by the 70 miles per hour, 60 miles per hour and 50 miles per hour (Temporary Speed Limit) (Variation) Order 1978 and its provisions were continued in force indefinitely by the 70 miles per hour, 60 miles per hour and 50 miles per hour (Temporary Speed Limit) (Continuation) Order 1978, S.I. 1978/1548.

[^f00022]: S.I. 1974/502.

[^f00023]: Part II of this Instrument.

[^f00024]: 1988 c. 53.

[^f00025]: 1984 c. 12.

[^f00026]: S.I. 1985/713.

[^f00027]: S.I. 1971/1524.

[^f00028]: Part I of this Instrument.

[^f00029]: 1988 c. 52.

[^f00030]: 1981 c. 22

[^f00031]: 5 & 6 Eliz. 2 c.xxxiii.

[^f00032]: 1968 c. 73.

[^f00033]: 1983 c. 16.

[^f00034]: 1984 c. 27. Section 64(5) was amended by the Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988, Schedule 3; section 65(1) was substituted by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Schedule 8, paragraph 28; section 65(1A) was inserted by the Road Traffic Act 1991, Schedule 4, paragraph 29; and section 85(2) was amended by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Schedule 8, paragraph 62. For the meaning of “the Ministers”, in section 64(1)(a) and section 65(1), and of “prescribed”, see section 142(1).

[^f00035]: 1988 c. 52.

[^f00036]: S.I. 1969/1487.

[^f00037]: S.I. 1977/952.

[^f00038]: S.I. 1981/859.

[^f00039]: S.I. 1982/1879.

[^f00040]: S.I. 1982/1880.

[^f00041]: S.I. 1983/1086.

[^f00042]: S.I. 1983/1088.

[^f00043]: S.I. 1984/966.

[^f00044]: S.I. 1986/1859.

[^f00045]: S.I. 1987/1706.

[^f00046]: S.I. 1989/2139.

[^f00047]: S.I. 1990/704.