The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

Dimensions and design of signs E+W+S

7.—(1) This regulation is about the measurements specified in the Schedules for dimensions of signs, and elements of signs, and about overall design of signs provided for in these Regulations.

(2) All measurements specified in a diagram in the Schedules are in millimetres (“mm”) unless stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise.

(3) If more than one measurement is specified for the same dimension, any of those measurements may be used for that dimension.

(4) If minimum and maximum measurements are specified for a dimension, the dimension used must not be less than the minimum or more than the maximum.

(5) Dimensions chosen for each element of a sign must correspond with one another so that the overall shape and proportions of the sign are, so far as reasonably practicable, as shown in the diagram, or as otherwise provided for, in the Schedules.

(6) The requirement at paragraph (5) does not apply to the signs provided for at—

(a) items 5, 6, and 7 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7;

(b) items 5, 12 and 13 of the sign table in Part 6 of Schedule 9;

(c) items 23, 25, 27 and 36 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11; and

(d) items 32, 33, 34, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56 and 57 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14.

(7) Any dimension given in millimetres in respect of a sign, other than a road marking, is to be treated as permitted if it is varied, to be either greater or less than the dimension given, by up to 5 mm.

(8) Paragraph (7) does not permit a dimension to be less than a specified minimum nor more than a specified maximum, except where the dimension relates to the height of letters, numerals or other characters.

(9) Any dimension (not being specified as a maximum or minimum) given for a road marking is to be treated as permitted if it is varied in accordance with the following table.

(1) Item	(2) Dimensions shown in road marking diagram	(3) Permitted variations
1	3 metres or more	(i) Up to 15% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or (ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension
2	300 mm or more, but less than 3 metres	(i) Up to 20% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or (ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension
3	Less than 300 mm	(i) Up to 30% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or (ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension

(10) Where a dimension denoting the length or width of a road marking is varied in accordance with paragraph (9), and there is a space between two parts of the marking, the dimensions of that space may be varied as required to accommodate the variation of the length or width of the marking, provided that the character of the marking is maintained.

(11) Where the dimensions of a signal which displays an arrow or symbol are varied in accordance with paragraph (7), the dimensions chosen for the arrow or symbol must maintain the shape and proportions shown in the diagram in which the signal is shown.

(12) Any variation of any angle is to be treated as permitted if the variation does not exceed 5 degrees.

(13) Paragraph (12) does not permit an angle which is less than the minimum, or greater than the maximum, given.

(14) Where—

(a) overall dimensions are given for a sign (other than a road marking); and

(b) the sign displays a legend or symbol which is varied or added in accordance with these Regulations,

the overall dimensions, the number of lines filled by the legend, or both, may be varied so far as necessary to give effect to the variation or addition.

(15) Where these Regulations provide for a sign to be made up of a number of elements (including legends) but do not indicate where those elements are to be placed on the sign, regard is to be had, when deciding where to place those elements, to the purpose of the sign, in particular the nature of the message to be conveyed.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 7 in force at 22.4.2016, see reg. 1(b)