Traffic Control Regulations...

Obstructions and excavations should be adequately guarded at all times for the protection of all persons who use the highway.

Barriers may consist of separate portable post and plank systems, gate frames linked together or semipermanent constructions built to enclose sites. The presence of these sites must be indicated by correct signage and traffic cones where appropriate.

There are several different requirements for the barrier planks used with post and plank systems:

Traffic Barrier:
If a traffic lane is closed for work to be carried out, regulations require this to be done with a retro-reflective red and white barrier plank placed across the lane. Horizontal planks should be striped in alternate vertical 250mm wide red and white bands. When adjacent to running traffic lanes barriers should be guarded by a line of traffic cones.

Pedestrian Barrier:
Pedestrians must be separated from works by a pedestrian barrier system. Red and white barrier planks must be retro-reflective. Base supports for the vertical posts should not protrude more than 300mm into the path of pedestrians and any vertical edge should be not more than 25mm high.

Traffic Cones:
Traffic Cone means a device complying with the relevant requirements of BS 873 ‘Road Traffic Signs and Internally Illuminated Bollards’. Cones are used to delineate the traffic lane a driver should take past an obstruction, accident or road works. They should be placed close enough together to give an impression of continuity and an appearance of substance, with danger lamps operating at night.

Traffic Signs:
The manufacturing standard for road traffic signs, BS873; part 6; 1983 was withdrawn on 31st December 2005 and from 1st January 2006 a new standard ‘BSEN12899-1:2001’ became the UK national standard for fixed vertical road traffic signs.

There are a number of significant differences between the standards, one of which is the re-classification of retro-reflective sign facings: Class 1 reflective under BS873 now becomes Class Ref 2 under BSEN12899-1:2001, while Class 2 becomes Class Ref 1.

Law states that road signs used to warn or inform divers and pedestrians in private workplaces must be the same as those used on public roads, where a suitable sign exists.

All traffic routes must be suitably indicated where necessary for reasons of health or safety. Signs and markings should comply with the traffic signs regulations.