D5.9"STOP-WORKS" SIGN
D5.9.1 The "STOP-WORKS” sign to diagram 7031 may be used only to stop traffic for a short period during works on or near a road, or during a temporary obstruction of a road. It should not be used as a substitute for other forms of control. The sign should be used only at sites where the risk is assessed as being low. Paragraph D5.9.5 specifies the conditions under which the sign may be used. Particular care will be needed if the sign is to be used in the vicinity of a junction.
D5.9.2 The sign must be double sided and mounted on a black/yellow banded pole and must be held by the operator, who should be wearing high visibility clothing.
D5.9.3 During the hours of darkness each sign face must be adequately illuminated by its own source of lighting; the use of reflectorised materials alone is not sufficient.
D5.9.4 Two "STOP-WORKS” signs may be required in circumstances such as manoeuvring plant or works vehicles.
D5.9.5 The sign should be used only when all the following apply:
- single carriageway road;
- when the stoppage is to be for a maximum period of 2 minutes; and
- the minimum clear visibility for drivers to the sign is:
- 60m where the speed is restricted to 40 mph or under; and
- 75m where the speed is limit is 50mph and above.
D5.9.6 Unless the site is already signed and guarded, additional signs "TRAFFIC CONTROL AHEAD" to diagram 7010.1 should be positioned on both approaches when any of the following conditions apply:
- the two-way traffic flow is greater than 400 vehicles per hour;
- bends in the road or other obstructions affect visibility; or
- the speed limit is 50 mph and above.
D5.10TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL
D5.10.1 Portable traffic signals are used at road works sites where positive traffic control is required and the works are to be in place long enough to justify the time taken to install and remove the equipment and/or traffic is dense. The maximum distance between signal heads should not exceed 300m. For greater distances, consult the Highway Authority.
D5.10.2 Portable traffic signals are suitable for use at most sites, however, where the criteria for priority control or "STOP/GO" signs (see Sections D5.7 and D5.8) are met the delays to traffic will be less with those forms of control. Signal control may lead to difficulty in the following situations:
- where the site length is greater than 300m; or
- where flows are so heavy that the restricted length of road is overloaded; see paragraph D5.1.6.
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