The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

SECTION 5 LIGHT SIGNALS AND WARNING LIGHTS

Use of different types of light signals

30.—(1) Light signals used for the control of vehicular traffic shall be of the size, colour and type prescribed in paragraph (2), (3), (5), (7) or (9).

(2) Subject to regulation 31, light signals used to control vehicular traffic at road junctions, at places where the headroom or the width of the road is permanently restricted, or at places where pedestrians cross the road (other than Pelican crossings) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3000, 3000.3, 3000.4, 3000.5 or 3000.6 and be illuminated in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (4).

(3) Light signals used to control vehicular traffic consisting solely of pedal cycles shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3000.2 and be illuminated in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (4).

(4) The sequence of illumination of the lights shown by the signals prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be as follows—

(a) red,

(b) red and amber together,

(c) green,

(d) amber,

provided that where the light signals are varied as prescribed in regulation 31, the green arrow shown in diagram 3000.4 or 3000.6 and shown as a permitted variant of diagram 3000.3 or 3000.5 or one of the green arrows shown as a permitted variant of diagram 3000.3, 3000.4 or 3000.6 may be illuminated while any of the lights referred to in sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) are illuminated.

(5) Light signals used to control vehicular traffic entering or proceeding along a motorway or dual carriageway road shall be—

(a) of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 6031.1 or 6032.1; and

(b) operated as prescribed in paragraph (6).

(6) The operating requirements for the light signals prescribed in paragraph (5) are that—

(a) each lamp shall show an intermittent red light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute, and in such a manner that the lights of one vertical pair are always shown when the lights of the other vertical pair are not shown; and

(b) the red cross or the white symbol shown in diagram 6031.1 or 6032.1 shall be illuminated by a steady light when the red lights are flashing.

(7) Light signals used to control road traffic at level crossings, swinging or lifting bridges, tunnels, airfields or in the vicinity of premises used regularly by fire, police or ambulance service vehicles shall be—

(a) of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3014; and

(b) illuminated in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (8).

(8) The sequence for the illumination of the light signals prescribed in paragraph (7) shall be as follows—

(a) a single steady amber light,

(b) two intermittent red lights, each of which will be shown at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute, and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.

(9) Light signals used to control tramcars shall—

(a) be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3013; and

(b) display the aspects shown in diagrams 3013.1, 3013.2, 3013.3, 3013.4 and 3013.5 in the sequence prescribed in paragraph (10).

(10) The sequence for the illumination of the light signals prescribed in paragraph (9) shall be as follows—

(a) the horizontal line shown in diagram 3013.1,

(b) the vertical line shown in diagram 3013.2 or either of the diagonal lines shown in diagram 3013.3 or 3013.4,

(c) the central circle shown in diagram 3013.5.

(11) When the light signals prescribed in paragraph (9) (“tram signals”) are affixed to the light signals mentioned in paragraph (2) (“standard signals”) in the manner shown in diagram 3000.3, 3000.4, 3000.5 or 3000.6 their aspect may be such that they convey to the driver of a tramcar a significance (within the meaning of regulation 33) which is different from that conveyed at the same time to the drivers of other vehicular traffic by the aspect of the standard signals to which the tram signals are affixed.

Permitted variants of green arrow light signals

31.—(1) A lens or lenses of the size and colour shown in either diagram 3001 or 3001.1 which, when illuminated, shows a green arrow

(a) may be substituted for the lens showing the green light in the light signals referred to in regulation 30(2) using any of the methods shown in diagram 3003, 3005, 3006, 3011.1 or 3011.2; or

(b) may be affixed to the light signals referred to in regulation 30(2) or to those signals as altered in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) using any of the methods shown in diagram 3000.4, 3000.6, 3002, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009.1, 3011.1 or 3011.2.

(2) The direction of the arrow prescribed as the permitted variant of diagram 3000.3 and shown in diagram 3000.4 may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 90° arc shown in diagram 3002 or 3004.

(3) The direction of the arrow prescribed as the permitted variant of diagrams 3000 and 3000.5 and shown in diagram 3000.6 may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 180° arc shown in diagram 3003 or 3009.1.

(4) The direction of any arrow prescribed as a permitted variant of diagrams 3000.3 and 3000.4 where the arrow is substituted for the green light may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 90° arcs shown in diagram 3005 or 3006, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which paired arrows point.

(5) The direction of either of the green arrows included in diagram 3000.4, where the sign shown in that diagram has been varied by the substitution of a green arrow for the tram signal aspect, may be varied so that the head of the arrow points to any position on the 45° arcs shown in diagram 3007 or 3008 provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which paired arrows point.

(6) The direction of either of the green arrows included in diagram 3000.6, where the sign shown in that diagram has been varied by the substitution of a green arrow for the tram signal aspect, may be varied so that—

(a) when the arrows are illuminated and extinguished simultaneously, the head of the upper arrow may point in any direction on the 135° arc and the head of the lower arrow may point in any direction on either of the two 45° arcs shown in diagram 3011.1, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which the two arrows point ; and

(b) when the arrows are illuminated and extinguished independently, the head of either of the arrows may point in any direction on the two 180° arcs shown in diagram 3011.2, provided that there is a difference of not less than 45° between the directions in which the two arrows point.

Portable light signals

32.  Portable light signals—

(a) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 3000.1; and

(b) shall be illuminated in the sequence prescribed by regulation 30(4).

Significance of light signals

33.—(1) The significance of the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 30 and in regulation 32 shall be as follows—

(a) except as provided in sub-paragraphs (b), (f) and (g) the red signal shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic other than tramcars shall not proceed beyond the stop line;

(b) when a vehicle is being used for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes and the observance of the prohibition conveyed by the red signal in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) would be likely to hinder the use of that vehicle for the purpose for which it is being used, then sub-paragraph (a) shall not apply to the vehicle, and the red signal shall convey the prohibition that that vehicle shall not proceed beyond the stop line in a manner or at a time likely to endanger any person or to cause the driver of any vehicle proceeding in accordance with the indications of light signals operating in association with the signals displaying the red signal to change its speed or course in order to avoid an accident;

(c) except as provided in sub-paragraph (f), the red-with-amber signal shall denote an impending change to green or a green arrow in the indication given by the signals but shall convey the same prohibition as the red signal;

(d) the green signal shall indicate that vehicular traffic other than tramcars may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed straight on or to the left or to the right;

(e) the amber signal shall, when shown alone, convey the same prohibition as the red signal, except that, as respects any vehicle other than a tramcar which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the green signal or green arrow signal which was shown immediately before it;

(f) save as provided in sub-paragraph (g), the green arrow signal shall indicate that vehicular traffic other than tramcars may, notwithstanding any other indication given by the signals, proceed beyond the stop line only in the direction indicated by the arrow for the purpose of procceding in that direction through the junction controlled by those signals; and

(g) where more than one green arrow is affixed to light signals in accordance with regulation 31(1)(b), vehicular traffic other than tramcars may, notwithstanding any other indication given by the signals, proceed beyond the stop line only in the direction indicated by any one of the green arrows for the purpose of procceding in that direction through the junction controlled by those signals.

(2) Vehicular traffic proceeding beyond a stop line in accordance with paragraph (1) shall proceed with due regard to the safety of other road users and subject to any direction given by a constable in uniform or a traffic warden or to any other applicable prohibition or restriction.

(3) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(5) shall be as follows—

(a) when placed beside the carriageway of a road, they shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic (other than vehicles being used in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b)) shall not proceed beyond the signals; and

(b) when displayed on a gantry over the carriageway, they shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic (other than vehicles being used in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b)) proceeding in the traffic lane immediately below the signals shall not proceed beyond them in that lane,

and for the purposes of this paragraph light signals which are mounted on a post situated beside the carriageway but which are projected over it or part of it shall be treated as light signals placed beside the carriageway of that road.

(4) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(7) shall be as follows—

(a) the amber signal shall convey the prohibition that traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line on the carriageway, except for a vehicle which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line; and

(b) the intermittent red signals shall convey the prohibition that traffic shall not proceed beyond the stop line.

(5) The significance of the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(9) shall be as follows—

(a) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.1 shall convey the prohibition that a tramcar shall not proceed beyond the stop line;

(b) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.2 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed straight ahead;

(c) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.3 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed to the left;

(d) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.4 shall indicate that a tramcar may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed to the right; and

(e) the aspect shown in diagram 3013.5 shall convey the prohibition that a tramcar shall not proceed beyond the stop line except that, as respects a tramcar which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the aspect which was shown immediately before it.

(6) In this regulation—

(a) “primary signals” means light signals erected on or near the carriageway of a road and sited near either one or both ends of the stop line, or if there is no stop line, sited at either or both edges of the carriageway or part of the carriageway which is in use by traffic approaching and controlled by the signals;

(b) “secondary signals” means light signals erected on or near the carriageway facing traffic approaching from the direction of the primary signals but sited beyond those signals as viewed from the direction of travel of such traffic;

(c) “stop line” in relation to light signals means the road marking shown in diagram 1001 placed on a carriageway in conjunction with those light signals being either primary signals alone, or secondary signals alone or both primary and secondary signals and, where no stop line is provided or the stop line is not visible, references in the preceding paragraphs of this regulation to the stop line are—

(i) in a case where the sign shown in diagram 7011 is placed in conjunction with the light signals, to be treated as references to that sign; and

(ii) in any other case, to be treated as references to the post or other structure on which the primary signals are mounted; and

(d) any reference to light signals, to the signals or to a signal of a particular colour is, where secondary signals have been placed, a reference to the light signals displayed by both the primary and secondary signals or, as the case may be, by the primary signals operating without the secondary signals or by the secondary signals operating without the primary signals.

Light signals for lane control of vehicular traffic

34.—(1) A light signal placed above the carriageway and facing the direction of oncoming vehicular traffic used for the control of that traffic proceeding along the traffic lane over which those signals have been placed shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 5001.1, 5001.2, 5003, 5003.1, 5005 or 5005.1.

(2) The height of the centre of each light signal from the surface of the carriageway in the immediate vicinity shall be not less than 5.5 metres nor more than 9 metres.

(3) The signals prescribed by this regulation shall be so designed that—

(a) the red cross shown in diagram 5003 or 5003.1 (“the red cross”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady red light;

(b) the green arrow shown in diagram 5001.1 or 5001.2 (“the downward green arrow”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady green light;

(c) the white arrow shown in diagram 5005 or 5005.1 (“the diagonal white arrow”) can be internally illuminated in such a manner as to show a steady white light; and

(d) whenever one of the signals referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) is illuminated neither of the other signals referred to in those sub-paragraphs shall be illuminated when placed over the same traffic lane.

(4) The significance of the light signals prescribed in this regulation shall be as follows—

(a) the red cross shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the prohibition that such traffic shall not proceed beyond the red cross in the traffic lane until that prohibition is cancelled by a display over that traffic lane of the downward green arrow or diagonal white arrow or by a display over that traffic lane or beside the carriageway of the traffic sign shown in diagram 5015 or 6001;

(b) the downward green arrow shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the information that such traffic may proceed or continue to do so in the lane beneath the arrow; and

(c) the diagonal white arrow shall convey to vehicular traffic proceeding in the traffic lane above which it is displayed the warning that such traffic should move into the adjacent traffic lane in the direction indicated by the arrow as soon as traffic conditions permit.

Warning signal for motorways and dual carriageway roads

35.—(1) A traffic sign for conveying the warning specified in paragraph (2) to vehicular traffic on a motorway or a dual carriageway road shall be a light signal of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 6023.

(2) The warning conveyed by the light signal shall be that—

(a) there is a hazard ahead on the motorway or dual carriageway road; and

(b) drivers should drive at a speed which does not exceed 30 miles per hour until they are certain that the hazard has been passed or removed.

(3) When the light signal prescribed by this regulation is operated, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.

Matrix signs for motorways and dual carriageway roads

36.—(1) In this regulation “matrix sign” means a sign shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11 for conveying to traffic on motorways and dual carriageway roads information or a warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit—

(a) relating to or arising out of temporary hazardous conditions on or near the motorway or dual carriageway road; and

(b) specified under a diagram contained in Part I of that Schedule.

(2) A matrix sign shall be a light signal and shall be of the size, colour and type prescribed by this regulation and shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11.

(3) Where a matrix sign is placed beside the carriageway of a road the warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit conveyed by the sign shall apply to all vehicular traffic facing that sign and proceeding along the carriageway beside which the sign is placed.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation a sign which is mounted on a post situated beside the carriageway but is projected over it or part of it shall be treated as a sign placed beside the carriageway of that road.

(5) Where a matrix sign mounted on a gantry or other structure is so placed that a traffic lane of the carriageway passes directly beneath it, the warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit conveyed by the sign shall apply only to vehicular traffic facing that sign and proceeding along the traffic lane passing directly beneath it.

(6) The legend or symbol in a matrix sign shall be displayed by means of white or off-white light and except in the case of the sign shown in diagram 6012 shall be accompanied by the four lamps prescribed in paragraph (7).

(7) The four lamps mentioned in paragraph (6)—

(a) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 6022 when placed beside the carriageway or in diagram 6021 when mounted on a gantry or other structure over the carriageway; and

(b) when a matrix sign other than the one shown in diagram 6012 is displayed, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one horizontal pair of lights is always shown when the lights of the other horizontal pair of lights is not shown.

Light signals for pedestrians

37.—(1) Light signals for conveying to pedestrians the information mentioned in paragraph (3) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4002.

(2) The signals shall be so designed that—

(a) the red figure shown in diagram 4002 (“the red signal”) can be internally illuminated by a steady light;

(b) the green figure shown in diagram 4002 (“the green signal”) can be internally illuminated by a steady light;

(c) when one signal is illuminated the other signal is not illuminated; and

(d) the green signal is and remains illuminated only for so long as there is conveyed to vehicular traffic a requirement, prohibition or restriction against entering that part of the carriageway across which the light signals for pedestrians are facing, being a requirement, prohibition or restriction indicated by—

(i) the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2), (3) or (9) of regulation 30;

(ii) the light signals prescribed in regulation 30(2) varied in accordance with regulation 31 as respects the direction of the green arrow; or

(iii) a traffic sign shown in diagram 606, 612, 613 or 616.

(3) The period during which, in the interests of safety, pedestrians—

(a) should not cross the carriageway shall be shown by the red signal during such time as it is illuminated; and

(b) may cross the carriageway shall be shown by the green signal during such time as it is illuminated by the steady light.

(4) Any audible signal emitted by any device for emitting audible signals provided in conjunction with the green signal, and any tactile signal made by any device for making tactile signals similarly provided, shall convey to pedestrians the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(b).

(5) A sign of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4003 shall during such time as the word “WAIT” is illuminated indicate to pedestrians the warning mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (3).

38.—(1) Light signals conveying to pedestrians at level crossings the prohibition mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4006 and so designed that—

(a) the red figure shown in diagram 4006 is internally illuminated by an intermittent red light which is shown at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute; and

(b) the red figure is illuminated only when the intermittent red lights prescribed in regulation 30(8)(b) are illuminated.

(2) The red figure when illuminated in the manner described in paragraph (1) shall convey the prohibition that pedestrians shall not proceed beyond the transverse road marking shown in diagram 1003.2 on the footway or diagram 1001 on the carriageway.

School crossing patrol signs and warning lights

39.—(1) A sign which is exhibited by a school crossing patrol for the purpose of stopping any vehicle in accordance with section 28 of the 1984 Act shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 605.2.

(2) A sign for conveying a warning to vehicular traffic, which is approaching a place in a road where children on their way to or from school or on their way from one part of a school to another cross or seek to cross that road (“a crossing place”), that the crossing place lies ahead and is being patrolled by a school crossing patrol or is otherwise in use by such children—

(a) shall be a light signal of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4004, each lamp of which when operated shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown; and

(b) may be erected on or near part of the road in advance of a crossing place in relation to oncoming traffic.

Cattle crossing signs and warning lights

40.—(1) A sign of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4005 may be erected on or near a road in advance of a place in that road where cattle under the supervision of a herdsman on their way from one part of a farm to another cross the road (“a cattle crossing”) to convey to oncoming traffic the warning specified in paragraph (2).

(2) The warning conveyed by the sign shall be that—

(a) a cattle crossing lies ahead and may be in use; and

(b) traffic should be prepared to stop.

(3) When the sign is operated, each lamp shall show an intermittent amber light at a rate of flashing of not less than 60 nor more than 90 flashes per minute and in such a manner that one light is always shown when the other light is not shown.