9.5 Technical design specification for signage

The council has fully adopted the latest version of Specification for Highway Works and BS 873 in its requirements for temporary and permanent signage. Further guidance on the size of traffic signage is available in the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) [Reference 42] and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). [Reference 43] The following additional requirements should be noted:

• The use of yellow or grey backing boards behind signs should only be used when essential to road safety. Signs should only be illuminated if specified in the TSRGD as a legal requirement. This type of signage is usually used as a last resort, and no new development should require it as it would only be used where conditions are dangerous.
• Where signs are fixed to structures or buildings there must be an absolute minimum clearance above pavement of 2.1 metre (2.4 metre for cycleways) and 0.45 metre clearance to kerb. In rural settings signs should be mounted below adjacent hedges or walls to reduce visual impact.

References

• Reference 42: DfT (2018) Traffic Signs Manual (Return to content for reference 42).
• Reference 43: HMSO (2016) The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (Return to content for reference 43).