Street works protocol
Traffic management
3.1 Safety and the efficient control of traffic frequently require some form of traffic management at road works, often in the form of temporary traffic signals. Undertakers must remember that they do not work in isolation; even apparently simple two-way lights can have unexpected impacts elsewhere. The nature of the road and its normal traffic volumes together with the duration and times of the works are obvious factors which undertakers should take into account when planning any traffic management interventions.
3.2 The traffic situation can change quickly and unexpectedly, so undertakers must adopt a proactive approach to traffic management - particularly on strategic routes. They should ensure that conditions are constantly monitored by operatives competent to do so, and that they intervene quickly when an unreasonable level of disruption becomes apparent. Appropriate arrangements must be put in place whenever temporary traffic signals are in operation outside working hours; they are at all times the responsibility of the works undertaker or their agents, not the Council or the Police.
3.3 With enough notice and subject to available resources, Council officers will give basic advice free of charge to help undertakers decide what traffic management interventions are likely to be appropriate. We or our agents can also design such schemes if requested, but in accordance with industry guidance there would be a charge to be mutually agreed for that service.
3.4 Traffic management issues are usually resolved amicably. For the purpose of this Protocol, undertakers are reminded of the Council's Network Management duty referred to in paragraph 1.2, especially on strategic routes or traffic sensitive streets. For the avoidance of doubt, this can include directing the immediate removal of any temporary traffic signals.
3.5 Utility companies authorised under NRSWA do not normally require advance permission for two-way temporary signals, although they must still notify us of their intention use them. However, the Council can require changes in the event of traffic management issues, and they do require our advance consent for multiphase signals.
3.6 All other undertakers/contractors must obtain the Council's advance permission for all temporary traffic signals, including two-way ones, for which a charge may apply. The same advance consent should also be sought in relation to the Council's own highway works.
3.7 Wherever possible, temporary traffic management should be notified or requested (as required) at the same time as the works themselves. Where that is not possible, a subsequent notice/application will need to be submitted. This can be done through EToN, for undertakers who use that system. Otherwise, a separate form must be completed.
3.8 In all cases where temporary traffic signals are used, undertakers must be familiar with the requirements that apply in their particular case. Guidance notes are published on our website along with application forms.
3.9 It should be noted that the noticing (or licensing, for non-statutory undertakers) requirements referred to in this Protocol apply whenever any temporary traffic controls are placed on the highway, even if the works themselves are not taking place within the highway.