Temporary Traffic Lights Application

Any person completing this application form should be aware of the requirements of the following:

• The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
• Street Works Regulations 1995 (Accreditation Units 1 and 2)
• Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 8 (2006), (as amended)
• Department of Transport Departmental Standard TD 21/85 & TA 47/85
• The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

Application Form  (49.50 KB)

Below are some frequently asked questions relating to temporary traffic lights in Worcestershire:

How do I obtain permission to place Temporary Traffic Signals on the Highway?

The best option would be to contact a suitable traffic management company who will apply for the permit on your behalf. However it is possible to apply for the permit yourself.

Could you suggest some traffic management companies I could contact?

The county council cannot recommend or suggest any traffic management companies. They can be found by searching the Yellow Pages, for example.

How much does a permit cost?

It depends on the type of temporary lights you require. If they are two-way (on one stretch of road) there is no change. However if they are three or four-way (on a junction) there is a charge of £75.00. If you are going to apply electronically please follow the guidance on the form regarding payment and submission of your application.

How long is the permit valid for?

There is no time limit restriction on temporary traffic light installations, however applicants are required to estimate the duration of the works on their application.

Can I check if a set of temporary traffic lights has a current and valid permit?

Yes. All authorised temporary traffic installations across Worcestershire can be viewed here.  (25.50 KB) Alternatively you may contact the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 607 2005 where a Customer Service Advisor will be able to help you further.

How do I make a complaint about a set of temporary traffic lights in Worcestershire?

If you think there is a potential safety issue regarding a set of temporary traffic lights please report this to us immediately. You can do so by contacting the Worcestershire Hub on 0845 607 2005 or report a highways defect online

Portable Traffic Signals

Directions for the use of temporary signals and temporary signals involving road junction.

Note: From 1st April 2007 a fee of £75.00 now applies to 3 & 4 way temporary traffic signals.

A certificate will be issued on completion of the following. Please allow at least 10 working days before formal authorisation. If a certificate is required before 10 working days a charge may be made at the Authority’s discretion on top of the existing charge.

1. A drawing to a scale of not less than 1:500 must be provided, detailing the position of each traffic signal head, controller position and associated cable layout. The signal heads are to be identified to a point within two metres of that intended to be used on site, when scaled from this drawing.

2. The size, type and location of all temporary signals are to be detailed in accordance with advice given in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2004 (as amended).

3. Proposed traffic signal stage timings, minimum and maximum green times and either the inter-green or the all red time period between each stage to be stated. Any request for fixed time or manual operation signals should be made separately, but may be attached to this application form.

4. Temporary traffic signals must operate in the vehicle-activated mode at all times unless written approval is obtained from the Local Authority. The controller should also be capable of working either in fixed time or all red modes.

5. If the site is unattended at any time and / or the temporary traffic signals will be operative before 8.00 a.m. or after 8.00 p.m. a suitable mains electrical supply must be used to power the signal equipment. Alternatively a supply switching to ‘silent’ battery operation must be capable of supplying continuous power for at least 12 hours.

6. Cable protectors must be fitted where traffic is travelling over cabling and these must be sited away from turning traffic or where braking/accelerating is likely to occur.

7. If there are any existing ‘Give Way’ or ‘Stop signs’ (including duplicate or advance signs)’ and / or markings they must be temporarily covered over.

8 A ‘beck and call’ maintenance system for the temporary traffic signal equipment is required. The maintenance provision must be such that a suitably trained technician (also NRSWA accredited) will arrive on site within two hours of notification during the hours 07.30 to 17.30, Mondays to Fridays, and within three hours at all other times. The equipment must be returned to working condition within 30 minutes of arrival on site and the appropriate spare parts will, therefore, need to be carried in the vehicle.

9. “Stop and Go” boards (Diagram 7023 and 7024) must be available on site to control traffic in the event of temporary traffic signal failure.

10. A log of all faults must be kept detailing time reported, time repaired, time on site, nature of fault etc. and the log submitted to the traffic section when the temporary traffic signals are removed from site.

11. A representative from the Local Authority may be on site when the temporary signals are being installed and 48 hours notice is therefore required of your intention to set up this equipment.

12. The controller unit must be secured by key or padlock during out of hours use.

13. Equipment must be of a type approved by the Secretary of State and in full working order including all switches and LED’s.