2011 No. 1040

Road Traffic

The Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations and General Directions 2011

Made

Laid before Parliament

Coming into force

The Secretary of State—

a

in exercise of powers conferred by section 64(1), (2) and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 19841, makes the regulations contained in Part 1 of this instrument; and

b

in exercise of powers conferred by section 65(1) of that Act2, gives the general directions contained in Part 2 of this instrument.

In relation to the regulations contained in Part 1 of this instrument, the Secretary of State has, in accordance with section 134(2) of that Act, consulted with such representative organisations as the Secretary of State thought fit.

PART 1The Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations 2011

Citation, commencement and interpretation1

1

These regulations—

a

may be cited as the Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations 2011;

b

together with the general directions contained in Part 2 of this instrument, may be cited as the Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations and General Directions 2011; and

c

come into force on 9th May 2011.

2

In these regulations—

a

“the 2002 general directions” means the Traffic Signs General Directions 20023; and

b

“the 2002 regulations” means the Traffic Signs Regulations 20024.

Preliminary2

The 2002 regulations are amended as follows.

Amendment of regulation 43

In regulation 4 (interpretation—general), after the definition of “police vehicle”, insert—

  • “portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility” means a place on the carriageway of a road—

    1. a

      which is not a “crossing” as defined by section 25(6) of the 1984 Act;

    2. b

      where temporary provision is made for pedestrians to cross the carriageway;

    3. c

      whose presence is indicated by a combination of the signs and signals—

      1. i

        prescribed by regulation 35;

      2. ii

        shown—

        1. aa

          in diagrams 4002.1 and 4003; or

        2. bb

          in diagram 4002.1 and in only the part of the sign shown in diagram 4003.1 which includes the push button and the legend above it; and

      3. iii

        shown in diagram 7011.2; and

    4. d

      whose presence may in addition be indicated—

      1. i

        where all streams of vehicular traffic are stopped only for the purpose of enabling pedestrians to cross the carriageway, by any or all of the following—

        1. aa

          the road marking shown in diagram 1001;

        2. bb

          the road marking shown in diagram 1001.3 (but only when placed in conjunction with the road markings shown in diagrams 1001 and 1055.1);

        3. cc

          the road marking shown in diagram 1055.1; or

      2. ii

        in other cases, by one or both of the following—

        1. aa

          the road marking shown in diagram 1001;

        2. bb

          the road marking shown in diagram 1055.1;

Amendment of regulation 274

In regulation 27(1) (road marking shown in diagram 1001.3: zig-zag lines—no stopping), in paragraph (a) of the definition of “controlled area”, after “adjacent to a signal-controlled crossing facility” insert “or portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility”.

Amendment of regulation 285

In regulation 28 (road marking shown in diagram 1001.3: zig-zag lines—no overtaking), in paragraph (1) and (2)(a) and (b), after “the signal-controlled crossing facility” in each place where it occurs insert “or portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility”.

Amendment of regulation 336

In regulation 33 (light signals for the control of vehicular traffic—standard form), in paragraph (5), for “European Standard EN12368: 2000” substitute “British Standard BS EN 12368:2006”.

Amendment of regulation 357

In regulation 35 (portable light signals for the control of vehicular traffic), in paragraph (c), for “European Standard EN12368: 2000” substitute “British Standard BS EN 12368:2006”.

Amendment of regulation 438

In regulation 43 (meaning of stop line and references to light signals), in paragraph (3)(a), after “7011.1” insert “, 7011.2”.

New regulation 47A9

After regulation 47 (light signals at signal-controlled pedestrian facilities), insert—

Light signals at portable signal-controlled pedestrian facilities47A

1

In this regulation “the portable crossing”, in relation to a sign, means the portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility in relation to which the sign is placed.

2

A sign for conveying to pedestrian traffic the warning and information specified in paragraph (4) shall—

a

be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4002.1; and

b

comply with the requirements of paragraph (3).

3

The requirements are that the sign is so designed and constructed that—

a

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

b

the green figure in the sign (“the green signal”) can be internally illuminated by a steady light;

c

when one signal is illuminated the other is not;

d

the green signal is illuminated only when there is at the same time conveyed to vehicular traffic a prohibition against entering the portable crossing and the prohibition is indicated by the light signals prescribed by regulation 35; and

e

the signal heads are ES compliant.

4

The red signal, whilst it is illuminated, shall indicate the period during which, in the interests of safety, pedestrians should not use the portable crossing and the green signal, whilst it is illuminated, shall indicate the period during which pedestrians may use the portable crossing.

5

A device for causing the green signal in the sign shown in diagram 4002.1 to become illuminated—

a

shall be of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4003; or

b

shall—

i

be of the size, colour and type of only the part of the sign shown in diagram 4003.1 which includes the push button and the legend above it; and

ii

whilst the red signal is illuminated, in some way indicate to pedestrians whether the push button device has been activated.

6

The sign shown in diagram 4003 shall, whilst the word “WAIT” is illuminated, convey the same indication as the red signal.

7

Any audible or tactile signal emitted by a device provided in conjunction with the green signal for the benefit of disabled persons shall convey to pedestrians the same indication as the green signal.

Amendment of Schedule 1710

In Schedule 17 (illumination of signs), in column (2) of item 1, after “7011.1,” insert “7011.2,”.

New and replacement diagrams11

1

In this regulation, a reference to a diagram is a reference to the diagram, the diagram’s accompanying text and the diagram’s accompanying untitled table or tables.

2

In Schedule 6 (road markings), for diagrams 1001, 1001.3 and 1055.1, substitute respectively diagrams 1001, 1001.3 and 1055.1 shown in Schedule 1 to these regulations.

3

In Schedule 8 (light signals for the control of vehicular traffic), for diagram 3000.1, substitute diagram 3000.1 shown in Schedule 2 to these regulations.

4

In Schedule 9 (light signals for pedestrians and animal crossings), for diagrams 4002.1, 4003 and 4003.1, substitute respectively diagrams 4002.1, 4003 and 4003.1 shown in Schedule 3 to these regulations.

5

In Schedule 12, in Part I (miscellaneous warning, informatory and regulatory signs for road works etc), after diagram 7011.1, insert diagram 7011.2 shown in Schedule 4 to these regulations.

Savings

12

Any traffic sign—

a

which, immediately before the coming into force of these regulations, was—

i

prescribed by the 2002 regulations; and

ii

placed in compliance with the 2002 general directions; and

b

which ceases to be so prescribed on the date of coming into force of these regulations,

shall be treated as prescribed by the 2002 regulations for so long as it continues to comply with those regulations as in force immediately before the coming into force of these regulations.

13

Portable light signals which on the coming into force of the 2002 regulations were saved by regulation 3(3) of those regulations shall, notwithstanding any provision of these regulations, continue to be treated as prescribed by the 2002 regulations until that regulation 3(3) ceases to have effect.

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Norman BakerParliamentary Under Secretary of StateDepartment for Transport

SCHEDULE 1New diagrams for substitution into Schedule 6 to the 2002 regulations

Regulation 11(2)

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SCHEDULE 2New diagram for substitution into Schedule 8 to the 2002 regulations

Regulation 11(3)

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SCHEDULE 3New diagrams for substitution into Schedule 9 to the 2002 regulations

Regulation 11(4)

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SCHEDULE 4New diagram for insertion into Schedule 12 to the 2002 regulations

Regulation 11(5)

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PART 2The Traffic Signs (Amendment) General Directions 2011

Citation, commencement and interpretation1

1

These general directions—

a

may be cited as the Traffic Signs (Amendment) General Directions 2011;

b

together with the regulations contained in Part 1 of this instrument, may be cited as the Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations and General Directions 2011; and

c

come into force on 9th May 2011.

2

In these general directions—

a

“the 1984 Act” means the Road Traffic Regulation Act 19845;

b

“the 2002 general directions” means the Traffic Signs General Directions 20026; and

c

“the 2002 regulations” means the Traffic Signs Regulations 20027.

Preliminary2

The 2002 general directions are amended as follows.

Amendment of direction 33

In direction 3 (interpretation—general)—

a

for paragraph (1), substitute—

1

In these Directions—

a

“one-way road” means a road on which the driving of vehicles otherwise than in one particular direction is prohibited;

b

“two-way street” means a road which is not a one-way road;

c

the Regulations” means the Traffic Signs Regulations 2002; and

d

the expressions listed in paragraph (2) have the same meaning as in the Regulations.

b

in paragraph (2), after ““plate”;” insert ““portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility”;”.

Amendment of direction 184

In direction 18 (road markings to be placed only in conjunction with other road markings or specified signs (except road markings for prohibitions and restrictions on waiting etc)), in table 1 in paragraph (1)—

a

in column (2) of item 4, after “1001.3” insert “except when placed at a portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility”; and

b

after item 4, insert—

4A.

1001.3 when placed at a portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility where all streams of vehicular traffic are stopped only for the purpose of enabling pedestrians to cross the carriageway

1001 together with—

  1. a

    1055.1; and

  2. b

    4002.1

Amendment of direction 465

1

Direction 46 (mounting and backing of light signals, matrix signs and warning lights) is amended as follows.

2

In paragraph (1), after “47,” insert “47A,”.

3

In paragraph (6), for “Without prejudice to paragraph (8) and subject to the exceptions in paragraph (7)” substitute “Subject to paragraphs (7), (8) and (9)”.

4

After paragraph (8), insert—

9

The light signals prescribed by regulation 47A, instead of being mounted on a post coloured in accordance with paragraph (6), may be mounted on a post coloured yellow (but having no yellow or white band as specified in paragraph (7)) or on a tripod or other support coloured yellow.

Amendment of direction 496

In direction 49 (placing of road marking shown in diagram 1001.3 (zig-zag lines)), in paragraph (1)(a), after “diagram” insert “4002.1,”.

Amendment of direction 537

In direction 53 (placing of portable light signals prescribed by regulation 35), in paragraph (2)(d)(ii), for “within” substitute “into and out of”.

New direction 53A8

After direction 53, insert—

Placing of portable signal-controlled pedestrian facilities53A

1

A traffic authority may, pursuant to section 65(1) of the 1984 Act, cause or permit the placing of a portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility if and only if—

a

permission is given in writing; and

b

the written permission of the authority includes express approval to the placing of the facility at a particular site.

2

Nothing in this direction is to be taken to limit or affect the powers of a constable or the chief officer of police under section 67(1) of the 1984 Act (placing of temporary traffic signs on roads in extraordinary circumstances).

Amendment of direction 549

In direction 54 (placing of signals and other signs at crossings), for “The Schedule to these Directions” substitute “Schedule 1 to these Directions”.

New direction 54A10

After direction 54, insert—

Placing of signals and other signs at portable signal-controlled pedestrian facilities54A

Schedule 2 to these Directions shall have effect with regard to the placing of—

a

vehicular light signals;

b

pedestrian light signals; and

c

other signs,

at portable signal-controlled pedestrian facilities where all streams of vehicular traffic are stopped only for the purpose of enabling pedestrians to cross the carriageway.

Amendment of direction 5511

In direction 55 (placing of various light signals), for paragraph (7), substitute—

7

The light signals shown in diagram 4002.1 may be placed only in conjunction with the light signals prescribed by regulation 33(1) or (2) or 35.

Amendment of direction 5612

In direction 56 (approval of types of sign and signals by the Secretary of State)—

a

in paragraph (2)(a), after “47,” insert “47A,”; and

b

in paragraph (2)(d), after “47” insert “, 47A”.

Amendment of schedule to the general directions13

1

At the start of the schedule to the 2002 general directions (placing of signals and other signs at signal-controlled crossing facilities), for the heading “SCHEDULE” substitute “SCHEDULE 1”.

2

In that schedule, omit the definition of “one-way road” and the definition of “two-way street”.

New Schedule 214

After the schedule to the 2002 general directions, insert the schedule set out in the schedule to these general directions.

Savings15

1

Subject to paragraph (5), so long as the condition in paragraph (3) is complied with, direction 49(2) of the 2002 general directions shall not apply in the circumstances specified in paragraph (2).

2

The circumstances are where, in accordance with an authorisation given under section 64(1) or (2) of the 1984 Act, a relevant crossing facility—

a

at which there is (and was immediately before the coming into force of these general directions) placed the signal shown in diagram 4002.1; and

b

at which there is not (and was not immediately before the coming into force of these general directions) placed any of the signals shown in diagrams 4003.2, 4003.4, 4003.5 and 4003.7,

has been provided on a road before the coming into force of these general directions but without the placing of zig-zag lines on the approaches as mentioned in direction 49(2) of the 2002 general directions.

3

The condition is that the signs and markings indicating the facility are maintained in accordance with—

a

the authorisation under which they were placed; and

b

any special directions under section 65 of the 1984 Act that were given in conjunction with that authorisation.

4

In this direction, “relevant crossing facility” has the meaning given by direction 49(1) of the 2002 general directions as amended by these general directions.

5

Paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) shall cease to have effect on the expiry of the period of two years beginning with the date on which these general directions come into force.

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SCHEDULESchedule to be inserted after the schedule to the 2002 general directions

Direction 14

SCHEDULE 2PLACING OF SIGNALS AND OTHER SIGNS AT PORTABLE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES

Direction 54A

Interpretation1

In this Schedule—

  • “approaching vehicular traffic” in relation to a portable crossing means vehicular traffic approaching the crossing along the carriageway across which the crossing is placed;

  • “far side signals” means light signals of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4002.1;

  • “push button device” means—

    1. a

      a sign of the size, colour and type shown in diagram 4003; or

    2. b

      a sign—

      1. i

        of the size, colour and type of only the part of the sign shown in diagram 4003.1 which includes the push button and the legend above it; and

      2. ii

        which, whilst the red signal is illuminated, in some way indicates to pedestrians whether the push button device has been activated.

  • “system of staggered portable crossings” means two portable crossings provided on a road on which there is a central reservation and where—

    1. a

      there is one portable crossing on each side of the central reservation; and

    2. b

      taken together the two portable crossings do not lie in a straight line;

  • “portable crossing” means a portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility; and

references to the left or right hand side of a portable crossing are to the left or right hand side as viewed by approaching vehicular traffic.

Vehicular light signals on a two-way street2

Subject to paragraph 4, on a two-way street, the number and disposition of light signals of the kind prescribed by regulation 35 which are placed at a portable crossing to control approaching vehicular traffic shall, in the case of a crossing of the type specified in column (2) of an item in the table, be as specified in column (3) of that item.

Table

(1)

Item

(2)

Type of crossing on a two-way street

(3)

Light signals to control approaching vehicular traffic

1.

Portable crossing not forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings and not having a refuge or central reservation within the limits of the crossing

One primary signal on the left hand side of the crossing and one secondary signal on the right hand side of the crossing

2.

Portable crossing not forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings and having a refuge or central reservation within the limits of the crossing

One primary signal on the left hand side of the crossing and one secondary signal on the right hand side of the crossing or on the refuge or central reservation

3.

Portable crossing forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings

One primary signal on the left hand side of the crossing and one other signal, which may be either a primary signal or a secondary signal, on the right hand side of the crossing

Vehicular light signals on a one-way road3

Subject to paragraph 4, on a one-way road, the number and disposition of light signals of the kind prescribed by regulation 35 to be placed at a portable crossing to control approaching vehicular traffic shall, in the case of a crossing of the type specified in column (2) of an item in the table, be as specified in column (3) of that item.

Table

(1)

Item

(2)

Type of crossing on a one-way road

(3)

Light signals to control approaching vehicular traffic

1.

Portable crossing not forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings and not having a refuge or central reservation within the limits of the crossing

One primary signal on the left hand side of the crossing and a signal, which may be either a primary signal or a secondary signal, on the right hand side of the crossing

2.

Portable crossing not forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings and having a refuge or central reservation within the limits of the crossing

One primary signal on each side of the crossing and a signal, which may be either a primary signal (in which case it must be on the refuge or the central reservation) or a secondary signal

3.

Portable crossing forming part of a system of staggered portable crossings

One primary signal on the left hand side of the crossing and a signal, which may be either a primary signal or a secondary signal, on the right hand side of the crossing

Additional vehicular light signals at portable crossings4

In addition to the signals required to be placed at a portable crossing by paragraph 2 or 3, the traffic authority may cause or permit to be placed such other primary or secondary signals as it thinks fit.

Far side light signals at portable crossings5

1

At least one set of far side signals and one push button device shall be placed at each end of a portable crossing.

2

Each set of far side signals shall be so placed as to be clearly visible to any person on the opposite side of the portable crossing who wishes to use the crossing.

3

Each push button device shall be so placed that the push button on it may be reached by any person wishing to press it.

4

Where far side signals and push button devices have been placed at a portable crossing in accordance with this paragraph, there may be placed at the crossing as many devices of the kind mentioned in regulation 47A(7) as the traffic authority thinks fit.

Additional signs and road markings at portable crossings6

In addition to the signals required by this schedule to be placed at a portable crossing—

a

the sign shown in diagram 7011.2—

i

shall be placed to control approaching vehicular traffic; and

ii

shall be so placed that it faces the stream of traffic to which it is intended to convey the meaning prescribed by regulation 43; and

b

any or all of the following may be placed at the crossing—

i

the road marking shown in diagram 1001;

ii

the road marking shown in diagram 1001.3 (but only when placed in conjunction with the road markings shown in diagrams 1001 and 1055.1);

iii

the road marking shown in diagram 1055.1.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the instrument)

This instrument amends the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (“the 2002 instrument”) to permit the use of portable signal-controlled pedestrian facilities.

Part 1 consists of the Traffic Signs (Amendment) Regulations 2011. They amend the Traffic Signs Regulations 2002 (“the 2002 regulations”) which are in Part 1 of the 2002 instrument. The amendments permit the use of portable pedestrian facilities with the portable traffic signals prescribed by regulation 35 (currently the traffic signals prescribed by regulation 33 must be used). As for signal-controlled pedestrian facilities, pedestrian signals (red and green man) and a push button must be placed. A new warning sign is prescribed and must always be placed at a portable signal-controlled pedestrian facility. A white line and square marks may be placed at the facility. If it is a stand-alone facility (where all traffic is stopped only for pedestrians to cross), zig-zag lines may also be placed (but only with the white line and the square marks).

The amendments include updated references to standards to be complied with.

Part 2 consists of the Traffic Signs (Amendment) General Directions 2011. They amend the Traffic Signs General Directions 2002. The amendments provide for the placing and mounting of the new signs and signals. The new Schedule 2 provides for what must be placed at stand-alone portable pedestrian facilities (that is, where traffic is stopped only for pedestrians to cross).

The provisions include savings. Regulation 12 provides an indefinite saving for signs which were already placed at the time these amendments come into force. Regulation 13 ensures that the saving as to portable light signals in regulation 3(3) of the 2002 regulations is unaffected. That saving is needed because the saving in regulation 3(3) of the 2002 regulations protected portable traffic lights which were compliant on the coming into force of the 2002 instrument only from the amendments made by the 2002 instrument; it did not protect them from amendments made by later instruments. The other savings in the 2002 instrument are unaffected.

The provisions in this instrument were notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with directive 98/34/EC as amended by directive 98/48/EC. Copies of these directives may be obtained from The Stationery Office (http://www.tso.co.uk or http://www.tsoshop.co.uk). They are also available via the European Union website (http://europa.eu).

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available on the Department for Transport website (http://www.dft.gov.uk) and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside the instrument onwww.legislation.gov.uk