ARTSM has been made aware of a significant number of instances where Local Authorities and/or sub-contractors operating on their network have been supplied with or have procured Traffic Management Signage that is not compliant with the regulations set out in Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD 2016), which expressly calls up the standards BS 8442:2024 and BS EN 12899.
ARTSM understands that in particular, Authorities are being sold products with non traffic grade reflectivity which may have serious consequences for visibility.
The Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice (the Red Book) for Signing Lighting and Guarding states: “The size shape and style of all signs .. must comply with TSRGD…. The standard of reflectorisation must be in accordance with the relevant current British or European standards. The whole of the sign faces must be reflectorised except for any parts coloured black.”
This has significant legal ramifications as stated in the Red Book: “Failure to comply with this Code is evidence of failing to fulfil the legal requirements to sign, light and guard works. Compliance with the Code will be taken as compliance with the legal requirements to which it relates.”
In particular local authorities and users of temporary signs should be aware of the regulations regarding:
• Grade of reflectivity in relation to where a sign is placed – TSRGD/BS EN 12899
• Substrate used in relation to rigidity – BS 8442
• Font – TSRGD
• x-height of lettering in relation to the speed of the road – TSRGD/ TSM
• Text used and its compliance with DfT Regulations working drawings – TSRGD
• Colour of sign in relation to the intention of the sign -TSRGD
The above elements all have a direct correlation to the size of the sign, its legibility and clearness of message.
It is the intention of ARTSM to issue Guidance Notes on these and other related matters in the near future, but we urge you to check your stock of signs and remove any which are non-compliant. You may wish to consult with the supplier of your signage, who will be able to provide evidence of testing and compliance on request.
(Picture: ARTSM)
