The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002

Approval of types of sign and signals by the Secretary of State

56.—(1) The signs to which this direction applies may be placed on or near a road only if at the time that they are first placed they meet the requirements specified in paragraph (3).

(2) This direction applies to—

(a) the signals prescribed by regulations 33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49 and 52;

(b) the matrix signs prescribed by regulation 46;

(c) the warning lights prescribed by regulations 50 and 51;

(d) the audible and tactile signals prescribed by regulations 47 and 49;

(e) the signs shown in diagrams 618.3A, 776 and 2509.1;

(f) the signs shown in diagrams 2505, 2505.1, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2510, 2511, 2512 and 2513, if varied to include a variable element;

(g) any light signals or signs shown in a diagram in Schedule 11;

(h) variable message signs and any other signs not continuously in use over a period of 24 hours and which are capable of being brought into and taken out of use by the operation of any electrical or other apparatus.

(3) The requirements referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) in all cases, that any equipment (including the content of all instructions stored in, or executable by it) used in connection with the signal or sign is of a type approved in writing by the Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers; and

(b) in the case of the signals prescribed by regulation 39 or regulation 52, that any such equipment is of a type so approved as appropriate having regard to the number and disposition and the site of those signals.

(4) Paragraph (3)(b) does not apply to signals displayed to indicate the effect of orders made, or having effect as if made, under section 1 of the Level Crossings Act 1983(1).

(5) If, after a signal or sign has been placed in accordance with an approval under paragraph (3), the signal, sign or any equipment used in connection with the signal or sign is altered, the signal or sign shall not be further used unless that alteration is approved in writing by or on behalf of the Secretary of State.

(6) When any signal or sign has been placed in accordance with an approval under paragraph (3), the signal, the sign or any equipment used in connection with the signal or sign, including any alterations approved in accordance with paragraph (5), shall be regarded as continuing to be approved until notice is given in writing by the Secretary of State—

(a) to the traffic authority; and

(b) either—

(i) to the supplier of the sign, signal or equipment; or

(ii) where an alteration has been approved in accordance with paragraph (3), to the person who carried out the alteration,

of a date after which the signal, sign or equipment is no longer to be so regarded.

(7) Where notice is given under paragraph (6) that a signal, sign or any equipment used in connection with the signal or sign is no longer to be regarded as being approved that signal, sign or equipment shall be removed from the road on or before the date given in the notice.

(1)

1983 c. 16.