The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

Variable message signs

46.—(1) A device may display at different times—

(a) a sign shown in a diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, 11 or 12;

(b) a legend of a type shown in Schedule 15 in accordance with the provisions of that Schedule; or

(c) a blank grey or a blank black face,

and in these Regulations such a device is referred to as a “variable message sign”.

(2) A variable message sign shall be of a size appropriate to display the messages referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1), having regard to the normal speed of traffic on the road on or near which the sign is situated.

(3) If the construction or method of operation of a variable message sign prevents the sign from being displayed in the colours shown for it in the appropriate diagram in Schedules 1 to 5, 7, Part I of Schedule 11 or Schedule 12, a black legend or symbol on a white or yellow background may be displayed as a white, off-white or yellow legend or symbol on a dark background, provided that any red triangle or red circle forming part of the sign is retained.

(4) When a variable message sign displays the sign shown in diagram 670, any sign shown in a diagram in Part I of Schedule 11 other than diagram 6012, or a legend of the type shown in Schedule 15, it may also display four lamps of the size, colour and type specified in regulation 36(7), save that the rate of flashing shall be not less than 60 nor more than 150 flashes per minute and the distance between the lamps shall be varied to accord with the overall size of the variable message sign.

(5) The display of a blank black or grey face on a variable message sign accompanied by four flashing lamps of the kind mentioned in paragraph (4) shall indicate to drivers that they should take special care.

(6) A variable message sign which displays alternately the signs shown in diagrams 7023 and 7024 shall be manually operated.