Today’s roads are full of fast and heavy traffic. Drivers have to keep a constant look-out for changing road conditions. You, as an organiser of an event on the highway, have a responsibility to make sure your event is safe and that drivers and pedestrians are informed well in advance about the size and nature of any obstruction, closure and/or diversion.
The placing of signs on the highway is in effect an intentional obstruction and the law strictly controls who can lawfully cause an obstruction to the highway.
Full details about traffic safety measures for street workers and road works are given in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary would expect any person intending to place signs on the highway to control or regulate traffic for public and private events, to be conversant with The Code of Practice under the New Road and Street Works Act 1991.
The organiser of an event is required to ensure that the nominated person placing signs holds any of the following, or similar qualifications, in order to comply with the above mentioned Code of Practice:-
- City and Guilds 6156 Unit 10 - Monitor signing, lighting and guarding
- City and Guilds 6156 Unit 2 - Signing, lighting and guarding
- Lantra Awards SSD12A - General Operative
- Lantra Awards SSD12B - General Operative
- Lantra Awards SSD12C - General Operative
- Lantra Awards SSD12A, B, C - Foreman
- Devon County Council Certificate of Competence in Chapter 8
- Notter Bridge Training Certificate of Competence in Highway Signing and Safety (Non-works)
Some of the local sources that items can be hired from, in respect of signs etc, within the South Hams area are listed:-
South West Highways (Road closed boards, diversion boards, cones/lights, barriers, etc)
Ermington Road
Ivybridge
Tel: (01752) 698726
The Hire Shop
Babbage Road
Totnes
Tel: (01803) 866155
Kingsbridge Hire Centre
Old Station Road
Kingsbridge
Tel: (01548) 853679
Suppliers may require advance notice for some signs etc.
Signs needing to be specially made can be obtained from:-
Day Signs
35 Fore Street
Totnes
(01803) 865880
AA Signs
(0800) 7317003
RAC Signs
(0845 601 0000)
South West Highways
Details above
We wish you a safe and enjoyable event.
