As I came upon another set of faulty road works traffic lights (working one at end, not at other, with one end of roadworks not visible from other), I wondered what regulations apply to the people responsible for operting such lights.
Do they need a permit? Is there an individual permit holder who can be fined if they have not taken reasonable steps to ensure that the lights are working properly or have been repaired following a fault?
Cheers, Sofa Spud
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I *think* they have to apply to the coucil every 7 days that they are up. Or something like that anyway. Don't know about any responsibility though.
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Adam
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As I understand it an Undertaking has to apply to the Local Authority under New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 at least 7 days before ripping up the Highway or 2 hours in an emergency.
The idea being that no two undertakings are on the same road nearby.
The Act places an obligation on them that traffic signs so placed are maintained and also comply with any directions placed in this respect by the LA.
Traffic Lights/Stop and Go Boards have to comply with Traffic Sign and General Directions in respect of size, shape and colours.
DVD
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The company wishing to install the temporary traffic lights has to apply in advance to the relevant authority for the road (usually local council but possibly Highways Agency) stating the duration/location of the works. Reasonable applications are not likely to be refused.
There isn't a named individual on the "permit" but there is normally a requirement for a sign on the lights giving a 24 hour contact number to report faults to (this frequently comes with a requirement for 2 hour response time). This is normally the hiring company NOT the contractor carrying out the works.
Not sure about the fines : I've never seen any but there are normally lots in the theory of roadworks!
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Interesting! So it seems there is some regulation but responsibility in the event of failure seems vague. The problems seem to be worst when the lights are left unattended for long periods.
Cheers, SS
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There are loads of regulations governing the use of temporary traffic lights. They include the type of road (A or B), placement near to junctions and bus stops, times of use etc.
Pretty much every eventuality is covered. The user / supplier of the lights must also provide signage for road users and walkways for pedestrians if required.
In spite of all the regulations the problem of reliability is down to the basics. Most temporary lights have the cabling between them on the ground and although it's always routed out of the way of road and site traffic, a failure is almost always due to a damaged cable. Bulbs do blow now and then, and vandalism accounts for a fair number of failures, but diggers and dumpers, shovels and so on cause most of the damage, and if they don't actually cut a cable, they might displace it enough for road traffic to eventually shred it. Some utility companies such as BT insist on a traffic light operative / technichian being on site when the lights are in use.
Some newer LED lights have a rechargeable battery at the base of the lampstand, and are operated 'wire free' by radio waves (?). So far, battery life has been a problem, and apparently they can be affected by mobile phones etc. Probably a lot easier to pinch as well !
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