The Traffic Signs (Temporary Obstructions) Regulations 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations (which revoke and replace, with modifications as to both form and content, the Traffic Signs (Temporary Obstructions) Regulations 1985) authorise persons not otherwise authorised to do so to place specified traffic signs on roads in connection with temporary obstructions (regulations 15 and 16). The indications given by the signs which may be so placed are specified in regulations 4 to 7 and the form of those signs is prescribed by regulations 8 to 14. Regulation 4 also prescribes the “keep right sign” for the purposes of section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (signs with the indication of which it is an offence not to comply). There are savings for the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994 and for regulations relating to motorways (regulations 17 and 18).

There are three substantial changes from the 1985 Regulations. First a new sign (“the road vehicle sign”) is prescribed (regulations 6 and 10). Secondly, persons not otherwise authorised to do so may place a road vehicle sign on a vehicle or flat traffic delineators (in addition to traffic cones, traffic pyramids, traffic triangles and warning lamps) for the purpose of warning traffic of temporary obstructions in roads (regulation 15(2)). Thirdly, a person in charge of, or accompanying, an emergency or breakdown vehicle which is causing an obstruction is authorised to place a keep right sign in order to indicate the route past the vehicle (regulation 15(1)).

Copies of the British Standard specifications referred to in regulation 13(b)(i) and Schedule 1 can be obtained from any of the sales outlets operated by the British Standards Institution, or by post from that Institution at 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (telephone number 0181-996 7000).

These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission pursuant to Directive 83/189/EEC of 28th March 1983 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (OJ 1983 L109, p. 9) as amended by Council Directive 88/182/EEC of 22nd March 1988 (OJ 1988 L81, p. 75) and European Parliament and Council Directive 94/10/EEC of 23rd March 1994 (OJ 1994 L100, p. 30).