The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument)

This Instrument consolidates, with substantial amendments, the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997, the Traffic Signs (Temporary Obstructions) Regulations 1997, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and the School Crossing Patrol Sign (England and Wales) Regulations 2006. Part 1 is the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016 and Part 2 is the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016.

Part 1 – The Traffic Signs Regulations 2016

Regulation 1 gives the title of the Regulations and the collective title of the Regulations and General Directions. It also sets out the extent of the Regulations.

Regulation 2 contains some interpretation provisions and introduces Schedule 1 which contains a table of definitions.

By regulation 3, if a sign complies with the applicable provisions of the Regulations, it is of a prescribed size, colour and type for the purposes of section 28(4) or section 64(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Regulation 3 also introduces the Parts of Schedules 2 to 16 that contain regulations. These Parts set out the requirements as to size, colour and type that apply to particular signs. Each Schedule covers a different class of sign (whether by reference to the circumstances in which a sign is used or the type of sign).

Regulation 4 makes provision about the relationship between the Regulations and the power of ministers to authorise signs.

Regulation 5 imposes requirements about the design of letters, numerals and other characters used on signs and in doing so introduces Schedule 17. This Schedule sets out the design to be used in particular circumstances.

Regulation 6 contains provision about expressions of time, distance and parking restrictions and in doing so introduces Schedule 18 which contains detailed provision on the use of these expressions.

Regulation 7 contains provision about the dimensions and design of signs.

Regulations 8 and 9 impose requirements about the illumination of signs.

Regulation 10 imposes requirements about the height of road markings and studs.

Regulation 11 gives the general rule about the colours to be used on signs.

Regulation 12 provides, where the Regulations impose requirements by reference to British Standards, for compliance with equivalent standards of an EEA state to be acceptable.

Regulation 13, by introducing Part 1 of Schedule 19, provides for a number of Regulations to be revoked.

Regulation 14 sets out transitional and savings provisions.

Regulation 15 imposes a requirement to review the Regulations on the Secretary of State.

Part 2 – The Traffic Signs General Directions 2016

General Direction 1 gives the title of the General Directions and the collective title of the Instrument.

General Direction 2 contains provisions about interpretation.

General Direction 3 introduces the final Part of each of Schedules 2 to 15 and provides that the general directions in those Parts apply to the signs in the Schedule in which they appear to the extent indicated in that Schedule.

General Direction 4 makes provision about the relationship between upright signs, and plates or structure warning markings.

General Direction 5 imposes a requirement that signs not be placed on vehicles unless expressly authorised by the General Directions.

General Direction 6 sets out the general requirement that applies to the display of temporary signs.

General Direction 7 imposes requirements about types of studs.

General Direction 8 sets out how uprights signs are to be displayed on posts or other means of support.

General Direction 9 imposes requirements about the backs of, and backing boards for, upright signs.

General Direction 10 provides, where the Directions impose requirements by reference to British Standards, for compliance with equivalent standards of an EEA state to be acceptable.

General Direction 11 makes provision about the relationship between the General Directions and the power of ministers under section 65(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to give special directions.

General Direction 12, by introducing Part 2 of Schedule 19, provides for a number of General Directions to be revoked.

General Direction 13 sets out savings provisions.

General Direction 14 imposes a requirement to review the General Directions on the Secretary of State.

Impact assessment and publication

An impact assessment of the effect that the Instrument will have has been made. A copy of this impact assessment is available from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR. It is also published alongside this Instrument and its Explanatory Memorandum at www.legislation.gov.uk.

Technical standards

These Regulations have been notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services (OJ L 241, 17.9.2015, p.1).