Guidance

1.Timescales for submission

The following minimum notice periods apply when seeking permission for temporary traffic control on roads:

No temporary traffic control is to be used on roads without the permission of the Department.  If no response is received to an application, the applicant should contact the Department.

2.Signal location details

A drawing to a scale of not less than 1:500 must be provided, detailing the position of each traffic signal head. The signal heads are to be identified to a point within two metres of that intended to be used on site, when scaled from this drawing.

The size, type and location of all temporary signs are to be detailed in accordance with advice given in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (as amended).

3.Traffic signal and site maintenance

Traffic signals must be set up and maintained by a competent person. An assessment of competence may be made in regard to the current Department for Transport Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 - Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations Part 3. If the site is unattended at any time and / or the temporary traffic signals will be in operation before 8.00am or after 8.00pm, a suitable mains electrical supply must be used to power the signal equipment. Alternatively a supply switching to ‘silent’ battery operating must be capable of supplying continuous power for at least 12 hours.

If there are any existing ‘Give Way ‘ or ‘Stop’ signs (including duplicate or advanced signs) they must be temporarily covered over. 'Stop and Go' boards must be available on site to control traffic in the event of temporary traffic signal failure. Operatives should be trained on how to use them and if necessary stop work until the lights are repaired.

Equipment must be of a type that meets current standards. Should you require the switch off/on of nearby permanent lights you must arrange this through the Department of Infrastructure Traffic Signals team, tel: 850000. Should you require the suspension of a bus stop, you must arrange this through the Department of Infrastructure, Public Transport Division, tel: 662525. Should your works also require a temporary traffic regulation order (e.g. parking or speed restriction) this will need to be applied for separately in line with minimum notice periods required

4.Conditions of use of temporary traffic signals

1. Temporary traffic signals must not be used in peak traffic hours (7:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 6:30pm), unless agreed with the Department of Infrastructure. The maximum distance between portable traffic signals must not exceed 300 metres, unless discussed and agreed to by the Department. The signals are to be set up to allow working space only and are not to include parking for non-essential site vehicles.
2. You must have a suitable level of public liability insurance in place to cover this activity.  It is recommended this be a minimum of £5m. 
3. A notice board displaying the applicant/contractors name, address and contact telephone number must be displayed at all times during the operation of the traffic signals.
4. Where there is immediate need for an applicant to deal with an unforeseen emergency situation the Department shall be informed within 24 hours of the emergency arising, followed by the submission of a completed application form without delay.
5. Where openings in the highway are required, a separate 'road opening’ licence must be obtained.
6. The Department reserves the right to order the removal of the temporary traffic signals at any point of the operational period in the event of emergency works, the erection of other temporary traffic signals or any other situation the Department deems it necessary.

5.Data Protection

The Department of Infrastructure is a controller under current Data Protection Legislation. We will hold the personal information provided for the purpose of answering your enquiry, customer services or other statutory or legal obligations. Further details can be found https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/ infrastructure/data-protection; it provides more information about the way in which we use, share and store your personal information, and what your rights are. You can also contact our Data Protection Officer by emailing DPO-DOI@gov.im or ringing 686785.