Traffic signs manual
| Publisher: | Department for Transport |
| Publication type: | Instructional |
| Published date: | 30 June 2006 |
| Mode/topic: | Roads, Local authorities, Parking, Road management, Traffic signs |
| ISBN: | 9780115505591 |
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.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 1 introduction (1982) (PDF – 411 KB), 18 February 1982, updated 21 October 2004
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, which supersedes the information in LTN 1/94, and guidance on the calculation of x-heights which is site-specific and more accurate than the table in LTN 1/94.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 2 determination of x-height (PDF – 120 KB), 29 October 2009, updated 18 December 2009
- Traffic signs manual chapter 2 primary route destinations in England by region (PDF – 60 KB), 18 December 2009, updated 7 July 2010
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 etc. There is also a comprehensive section dealing with the signing of speed limits.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 3 regulatory signs (2008) (PDF – 2048 KB), 9 September 2008
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 four minor amendments and addition of Appendix A, note 7.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 4 warning signs (2004) (PDF – 1024 KB), 19 October 2005 updated 12 November 2008
Chapter 5 road markings (ISBN 9780115524790)
Road markings serve a very important function in conveying to road users information and requirements which 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.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 5 road markings (2003) (PDF – 1024 KB), 19 October 2005
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, please email chapter8@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 8 (part 1) road works and temporary situations – design (2009) (PDF – 8192 KB), 31 March 2009 updated 23 June 2010
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, please email chapter8@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
- Traffic signs manual chapter 8 (part 2) road works and temporary situations – operations (2009) (PDF 5120 KB), 31 March 2009, updated 23 June 2010
