O3.21.32 Where a junction within a controlled area is of relatively minor importance it may not require to be separately signalled and the provision of warning signs may be appropriate (see paragraph O3.21.17). Vehicles emerging from uncontrolled side roads will normally join the rear of the traffic stream proceeding in the direction in which they wish to go. However, if emerging vehicles do not have a clear view of both ends of the works, there is a danger that they will set off in one direction only to be confronted with a traffic stream proceeding in the other. For this reason it is essential that clear visibility is available from the side road to both ends of the works if it is not to be signalled separately.
O3.22"STOP/GO"
O3.22.1 "STOP/GO" signs to diagrams 7023 and 7024 are used for the control of traffic on single carriageway roads by an operative or operatives on site. They are combined to form a double-sided sign and used on a suitable stand or post. The design aspects for the use of these signs are given in Part 1: Design, Section D5.8. The signs can also be used in conjunction with single vehicle works; see Section O8.1.
O3.22.2 Before selecting "STOP/GO" signs as a method of traffic control, a risk assessment should be carried out to investigate the use of alternative safer methods of traffic control that remove the need for operators to stand in close proximity to a live traffic flow. On high-speed single carriageway roads the use of "STOP/GO" signs is not recommended at night.
O3.22.3 A system where a pair of "STOP/GO" signs is operated remotely by radio is available. Manually rotated "STOP/GO" signs should only be used if a risk assessment has determined that the use of remotely controlled signs is not appropriate. The reasons for not using remotely controlled signs should be documented in the method statement.
O3.22.4 If remotely controlled "STOP/GO" signs are used then the following conditions shall apply:
- the operator shall be positioned no more than 100 m from either sign board;
- the two sign boards shall be no more than 200 m apart;
- the operator shall have a completely unobstructed view of both sign boards and of oncoming traffic in both directions;
- vehicle flow through the road works site is no greater than 850 vehicles per hour;
- use of the remotely operated device shall be restricted to daylight hours; and
- the operator shall be fully conversant with the advice contained in this section concerning the normal manual control of “STOP/GO” signs, and have received comprehensive instruction in the use of both manual and automatic operation of these signs.
Where the site length exceeds the criteria set out above or the works take place during the hours of darkness, each remotely controlled sign board shall be controlled by a separate operative. The operatives shall be in contact with one another; see paragraph 22.8.
O3.22.5 If used, "STOP/GO" signs shall always be positioned to ensure both the maximum visibility of the sign and safety of the operator. It is important to note that manually rotated signs shall not be operated inside the safety zone. If this is not possible, then temporary traffic signals shall be used or the road should be closed temporarily to vehicular traffic.
O3.22.6 Appropriate measures shall be taken, in advance of the works, to reduce the speed of the traffic passing through the works.
41
