Traffic signs manual
Guidance for traffic authorities on the use of traffic signs and road markings.
Documents
Details
Summary
The traffic signs manual gives guidance on the use of traffic signs and road markings prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and covers England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Revised editions of the manual will be published here as they are released.
The chapters may be purchased in hard copy from The Stationery Office.
Chapter 1 introduction (ISBN 9780115505591)
Introduction and an outline of the historical, functional and design aspects of signs. The chapter includes sections dealing with the positioning and mounting of signs.
Chapter 2 (in draft) informatory signs
Chapter 2 is currently a work in progress. It will contain advice on the design and use of directional signs, and also other informatory signs such as home zone signs. Due to the amount of work required to complete chapter 2, it is intended that interim advice on individual topics will be made available as and when completed.
The current advice on the design and use of directional informatory signs is published in Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/94. Also available is the latest list of primary destinations in England (PDF, 64.4KB), which supersedes the information in LTN 1/94.
Chapter 3 regulatory signs (ISBN 9780115529252)
Guidelines on the correct use of regulatory signs prescribed by the traffic signs regulations. These include prohibited turns, waiting and loading restrictions, bus and cycle lanes, for example. There is also a comprehensive section dealing with the signing of speed limits.
Chapter 4 warning signs (ISBN 9780115524110)
Warning signs are used to alert drivers to potential danger ahead. They indicate a need for special caution by road users and may require a reduction in speed or some other manoeuvre. This reprinted edition includes 4 minor amendments and the addition of Appendix A, note 7.
Chapter 5 road markings (ISBN 9780115524790)
Road markings serve a very important function in conveying to road users information and requirements that might not be possible using upright signs. They have the advantage that they can often be seen when a verge-mounted sign is obscured and, unlike such signs, they can provide a continuing message.
Chapter 6 traffic control (ISBN 9780115537448)
Traffic lights and crossings are a key tool in managing traffic. This chapter provides technical advice on designing traffic light junctions, crossings and other types of traffic control. It supersedes the advice given in a range of traffic advisory leaflets and local transport notes.
Chapter 7 the design of traffic signs (ISBN 9780115524806)
How sign faces are designed. This chapter does not include the various methods by which signs are constructed and mounted. It supersedes Local Transport Note ‘2/94 directional informatory signs interim design notes’, which was withdrawn in 1997.
Chapter 8 (part 1) road works and temporary situations – design (ISBN 9780115530517)
Guidance for the design of temporary traffic management arrangements which should be implemented to facilitate maintenance activities or in response to temporary situations. For enquiries and comments regarding this chapter, email chapter8@highwaysengland.co.uk.
Chapter 8 (part 2) road works and temporary situations – operations (ISBN 9780115530524)
Guidance for planning, managing and participating in operations to implement, maintain and remove temporary traffic management arrangements. For enquiries and comments regarding this chapter, email chapter8@nationalhighways.co.uk.
Related documents
- local transport notes
- traffic advisory leaflets
- road infrastructure
- traffic signs image database
- working drawings for traffic signs
Updates to this page
Last updated 18 May 2022 + show all updates
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Alteration of email contact address to chapter8@nationalhighways.co.uk.
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Chapter 8 part 3 revision, this updates guidance based on flexibilities introduced in TSRGD 2016, it includes additional information on new sign design integration, diversions, speed limits, length and spacing of road works, sign clutter plus designer skills and competence.
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'Traffic signs manual chapter 6 traffic control (2019)' published.
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Alteration to the Traffic Signs Manual chapters 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 to incorporate the regulatory changes introduced in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
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Chapter 8, part 3 updated.
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Updated Chapter 7 added.
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Updated Chapter 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual
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First published.