The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

Mounting and backing of light signals, matrix signs and warning lights

46.—(1) The light signals prescribed by regulation 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49 or 52, the matrix signals prescribed by regulation 46 and the warning lights prescribed by regulations 50 and 51 may be placed on or near a road only if they are so placed that they face the stream of traffic to which they are intended to convey the warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions prescribed by the Regulations.

(2) A container enclosing the lamps of a type of light signals, matrix sign or warning light mentioned in paragraph (1) shall be coloured black except that—

(a) if a container encloses lamps of the light signals prescribed by regulation 37, 44 or 45, the matrix sign prescribed by regulation 46 or the warning lights prescribed by regulation 50 or 51, it may be coloured grey instead of black;

(b) the back of a container enclosing the signals shown in diagrams 4003, 4003.1, 4003.3, 4003.4, 4003.6 or 4003.7 may be coloured yellow; and

(c) the container may have a white border not less than 45 nor more than 55 millimetres wide.

(3) Any of the kinds of light signals mentioned in paragraph (1) other than the signals prescribed by regulation 39(1) may be mounted on a backing board, which shall be coloured black and may have a white border not less than 45 nor more than 55 millimetres wide.

(4) In the case of the light signals prescribed by regulation 39(1) the back of the backing board shown in diagram 3014 may be coloured black or grey.

(5) In the case of the matrix signs prescribed by regulation 46, an identification number may be shown on the front of the backing board below the signal or on the post on which the signal is mounted and, in the case of other light signals, an identification number and name, and a telephone number for use in an emergency, may be shown on the post on which the signals are mounted.

(6) Without prejudice to paragraph (8) and subject to the exceptions in paragraph (7), where light signals prescribed by any of the regulations specified in paragraph (1) or shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 10 or in Schedule 11 are mounted on a post specially provided for the purpose, that part of the post which extends above ground level shall be either—

(a) coloured grey, black, brown, dark green or dark blue; or

(b) in a non-reflective metallic finish.

(7) Paragraph (6) is subject to the following exceptions—

(a) the post may be marked with a yellow or white band not less than 140 nor more than 160 millimetres deep, the lower edge of the band being not less than 1500 nor more than 1700 millimetres above ground level; and

(b) where the light signals prescribed by regulation 33(1) or (2) are installed temporarily, the containers in which the posts are placed may be coloured with alternate red and white horizontal stripes.

(8) The portable light signals prescribed by regulation 35, instead of being mounted on a post coloured in accordance with paragraph (6), may be mounted on a post coloured yellow (but having no yellow or white band as specified in paragraph (7)) or on a tripod or other support coloured yellow.