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The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

Type Statutory-Instrument

Publication 2016-03-16

Last updated 2026-03-11

State In force

Department King's Printer of Acts of Parliament

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Made: 16th March 2016

Laid before Parliament: 22nd March 2016

Coming into force: 22nd April 2016

In relation to the Regulations in Part 1 of this Instrument, the Secretary of State has, in accordance with section 134(2) of the 1984 Act and section 195(2) of the 1988 Act, consulted with such representative organisations as he thought fit.

PART 1 — THE TRAFFIC SIGNS REGULATIONS 2016

Citation, commencement and extent

1

(1) This Part of this Instrument—

(a) may be cited—

(i) as the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016, and

(ii) together with Part 2, as the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and

(b) comes into force on 22nd April 2016.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), these Regulations extend to the whole of Great Britain.

(3) Provision about the school crossing patrol sign extends only to England and Wales[^f00011].

Interpretation

2

(1) In these Regulations—

(a) “the 1984 Act” means the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984[^f00012]; ...

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) Schedule 1 contains other definitions.

Prescription of signs

3

(1) A traffic sign for conveying a warning, information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description specified in these Regulations is of a prescribed size, colour and type if it complies with all applicable requirements provided for in these Regulations.

(2) A school crossing patrol sign is a prescribed sign within the meaning of section 28(4) of the 1984 Act if it complies with all applicable requirements as to size, colour and type provided for in these Regulations.

(3) The Parts of a Schedule specified in column 2 of an item in the table contain provisions about signs of the class specified in column 3 of the item.

(1)Item	(2)Schedule	(3)Purpose of nature of signs
1	Schedule 2Parts 1 to 7	Signs that warn of hazards and signs for bridges and other structures
2	Schedule 3Parts 1 to 4	Upright signs that indicate regulatory requirements for moving traffic
3	Schedule 4Parts 1 to 5	Upright signs that control waiting, loading and parking along a road
4	Schedule 5 Parts 1 to 4	Signs that indicate parking places and areas subject to parking controls
5	Schedule 6Parts 1 and 2	Upright signs for red routes
6	Schedule 7Parts 1 to 6	Road markings and miscellaneous upright signs that indicate stopping, waiting, loading and parking controls
7	Schedule 8Parts 1 to 4B	Signs indicating the entrance to and the end of, a pedestrian, or pedestrian and cycle, zone, and signs for charging schemes and low emission zone schemes
8	Schedule 9Parts 1 to 8	Regulatory signs at junctions and miscellaneous regulatory signs
9	Schedule 10Parts 1 to 3	Signs for speed limits
10	Schedule 11Parts 1 to 6	Signs that give information, are advisory or guide traffic
11	Schedule 12Parts 1 to 28	Directional signs
12	Schedule 13Parts 1 to 11	Signs only for use in temporary situations
13	Schedule 14Parts 1 to 5	Signs for traffic control by light signals, signs for crossings, and signs for lane control
14	Schedule 15Parts 1 to 4	Matrix signs and light signals for the control of moving traffic on motorways and dual carriageway roads
15	Schedule 16Parts 1 to 7	Variable message signs

(4) Where in these Regulations provision is made that to convey a warning, information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a description specified, a sign must comply with certain requirements as to size, colour and type, that provision is without prejudice to different requirements elsewhere in the Regulations in relation to the same description.

Authorisations

4

Nothing in these Regulations limits a power of the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers or the Welsh Ministers to authorise a sign under section 28(4) or 64 of the 1984 Act[^f00014].

Letters, numerals and other characters

5

(1) This regulation applies to the letters, numerals and other characters used on signs provided for in these Regulations (but not to the extent that more specific provision is made elsewhere in these Regulations for a particular sign).

(2) Paragraphs (3) to (12) apply to letters, numerals and other characters used on signs except those used on road markings and those used in Scottish Gaelic words or phrases.

(3) Paragraphs (4) to (10) are subject to the exception for variable message signs at paragraphs (11) and (12).

(4) On a background which is—

(a) black;

(b) blue;

(d) dark green;

(e) green; or

(f) red,

letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 1 of Schedule 17 (see paragraphs (6) to (8) for exceptions).

(5) On a background which is—

(a) orange;

(b) white; or

letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 2 of Schedule 17 (see paragraph (10) for an exception).

(6) Paragraphs (7) and (8) apply to the placing of a motorway route number or a compass point directly on the blue background shown at item 1 of the sign table at Part 2 of Schedule 12 (see paragraph (9) for an exception).

(7) Where brackets are not used, the letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 3 of Schedule 17.

(8) Where brackets are used the letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in either Part 1 or Part 3 of Schedule 17.

(9) An exception to paragraphs (7) and (8) is that where the route number or compass point is part of a legend provided for at item 8 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 12, letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 1 of Schedule 17.

(10) When used for indicating a route number or compass point on a sign with a yellow background which is temporarily placed on a motorway, letters, numerals and other characters must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 4 of Schedule 17.

(11) Paragraph (12) applies to a variable message sign where the construction or method of operation of the sign does not permit the use of letters, numerals and other characters of the proportions and form shown in Part 1, 2, 3 or 4 of Schedule 17.

(12) Letters, numerals and other characters may have the proportions and form shown in Part 5 of Schedule 17 (and be of the colour provided for in Part 1, 2, 3 or 4 as applicable).

(13) Paragraph (14) applies to letters, numerals and other characters incorporated in road markings provided for in these Regulations.

(14) A letter, numeral or other character of a height referred to in column 1 of the table in this paragraph must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in the Part of Schedule 17 at the column 2 entry applicable to that height.

Height of letters, numerals and other characters	Applicable Part in Schedule 17
from 280 mm to 700 mm (inclusive)	Part 6
705 mm, 1035 mm, 1600 mm	Part 7
2800 mm	Part 8

(15) For the purposes of interpreting Part 7 of Schedule 17 where the road marking is 705 mm or 1035 mm, the reference in the diagram in Part 7 to “1600” is to be read as “705” or “1035” as appropriate and the spaces between the grid lines reduced proportionately.

(16) Letters, numerals and other characters used in Scottish Gaelic words or phrases—

(a) when appearing on a brown or dark green background, must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 9 of Schedule 17;

(b) when appearing on a white background, must have the proportions and form, and be of the colour, shown in Part 10 of Schedule 17.

(17) In Schedule 17, in Parts 1 to 4, 9 and 10, the height of the rectangular backgrounds on which the letters, numerals and other characters are shown is eight stroke widths.

Expressions of time and distance and for parking restrictions

6

(1) A reference in these Regulations to the inclusion on a sign of a “time period” means the inclusion of a period of time that complies with the requirements of Part 1 of Schedule 18.

(2) More than one period of time may be included in a sign if appropriate for conveying the meaning of the sign.

(3) A reference in these Regulations to the inclusion on a sign of a “permitted parking expression” means the inclusion of an expression that complies with the requirements of Part 2 of Schedule 18.

(4) An expression of distance on a sign must be in imperial units and comply with the requirements of Part 3 of Schedule 18.

(5) The provisions of this regulation do not apply where more specific provision in relation to a particular sign is made elsewhere in these Regulations.

Dimensions and design of signs

7

(1) This regulation is about the measurements specified in the Schedules for dimensions of signs, and elements of signs, and about overall design of signs provided for in these Regulations.

(2) All measurements specified in a diagram in the Schedules are in millimetres (“mm”) unless stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise.

(3) If more than one measurement is specified for the same dimension, any of those measurements may be used for that dimension.

(4) If minimum and maximum measurements are specified for a dimension, the dimension used must not be less than the minimum or more than the maximum.

(5) Dimensions chosen for each element of a sign must correspond with one another so that the overall shape and proportions of the sign are, so far as reasonably practicable, as shown in the diagram, or as otherwise provided for, in the Schedules.

(6) The requirement at paragraph (5) does not apply to the signs provided for at—

(a) items 5, 6, and 7 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7;

(b) items 5, 12 and 13 of the sign table in Part 6 of Schedule 9;

(d) items 32, 33, 34, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56 and 57 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14.

(7) Any dimension given in millimetres in respect of a sign, other than a road marking, is to be treated as permitted if it is varied, to be either greater or less than the dimension given, by up to 5 mm.

(8) Paragraph (7) does not permit a dimension to be less than a specified minimum nor more than a specified maximum, except where the dimension relates to the height of letters, numerals or other characters.

(9) Any dimension (not being specified as a maximum or minimum) given for a road marking is to be treated as permitted if it is varied in accordance with the following table.

(1)Item	(2)Dimensions shown in road marking diagram	(3)Permitted variations
1	3 metres or more	(i) Up to 15% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or(ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension
2	300 mm or more, but less than 3 metres	(i) Up to 20% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or(ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension
3	Less than 300 mm	(i) Up to 30% of the dimension where the varied dimension is greater than the specified dimension; or(ii) Up to 10% of the dimension where the varied dimension is less than the specified dimension

(10) Where a dimension denoting the length or width of a road marking is varied in accordance with paragraph (9), and there is a space between two parts of the marking, the dimensions of that space may be varied as required to accommodate the variation of the length or width of the marking, provided that the character of the marking is maintained.

(11) Where the dimensions of a signal which displays an arrow or symbol are varied in accordance with paragraph (7), the dimensions chosen for the arrow or symbol must maintain the shape and proportions shown in the diagram in which the signal is shown.

(12) Any variation of any angle is to be treated as permitted if the variation does not exceed 5 degrees.

(13) Paragraph (12) does not permit an angle which is less than the minimum, or greater than the maximum, given.

(14) Where—

(a) overall dimensions are given for a sign (other than a road marking); and

(b) the sign displays a legend or symbol which is varied or added in accordance with these Regulations,

the overall dimensions, the number of lines filled by the legend, or both, may be varied so far as necessary to give effect to the variation or addition.

(15) Where these Regulations provide for a sign to be made up of a number of elements (including legends) but do not indicate where those elements are to be placed on the sign, regard is to be had, when deciding where to place those elements, to the purpose of the sign, in particular the nature of the message to be conveyed.

Illumination of upright signs and associated plates

8

(1) Paragraph (2) applies to an upright sign unless elsewhere in these Regulations in relation to a particular sign—

(a) requirements are imposed as to the illumination of the sign; or

(b) provision is made that the sign need not be illuminated.

(2) The upright sign must be—

(a) illuminated throughout the hours of darkness by internal or external lighting; or

(b) reflectorised.

(3) If provision is made elsewhere in these Regulations that an upright sign need not be illuminated, it may be illuminated in accordance with paragraph (5).

(4) Paragraph (5) also applies to an upright sign which must at certain times be illuminated under these Regulations during those times when it is not required to be illuminated.

(5) The upright sign may be—

(a) illuminated by internal or external lighting; or

(b) reflectorised.

(6) Where these Regulations provide for a choice of methods of illumination for an upright sign (including where at least one method must be used), more than one of those methods may be used.

(7) The same method used to illuminate an upright sign must be used to illuminate an associated plate (and where more than one method is used, all those methods must be used).

(8) The same source of lighting used to illuminate an upright sign may be used to illuminate an associated plate provided it is adequate to do so.

(9) If an upright sign is not illuminated, any associated plate must not be illuminated.

(10) Where retroreflecting material is used on any part of an upright sign or plate, all other parts, other than any parts coloured black, must also be reflectorised.

(11) In paragraph (10) “part” means any part which is uniformly coloured and bounded by differently coloured parts.

Illumination – road markings

9

(1) A road marking may be reflectorised.

(2) Paragraph (1) is subject to provision made elsewhere in these Regulations in relation to particular types of marking.

Height of road markings and size of studs fitted with reflectors, retroreflecting material or a light source

10

(1) No road marking may project above the surface of the adjacent carriageway more than 6 mm at any point except where a provision to that effect is made elsewhere in these Regulations.

(2) A depressible stud must not project more than 25 mm above the surface of the carriageway.

(3) A non-depressible stud must not project more than 20 mm above the surface of the carriageway.

(4) Paragraph (5) applies to a stud which, in accordance with these Regulations, is fitted with reflectors, retroreflecting material, a light source or a combination.

(5) The part of a stud which is visible when the stud is in place must have—

(a) an overall length in the direction of travel of traffic of not less than 35 mm and not more than 250 mm; and

(b) an overall width of not less than 84 mm and not more than 190 mm.

Diagram Colours

11

(1) The colours prescribed for signs must conform to British Standard BS EN 12899-1:2007[^f00015].

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply—

(a) if alternative provision is made elsewhere in these Regulations in relation to a sign; or

(b) to the extent it is provided that part of a sign may be of any, or any contrasting, colour.

Mutual recognition of standards

12

Any requirement in these Regulations to comply with a specified British Standard is satisfied by compliance with—

(a) a standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent body of any EEA State,

(b) any international standard recognised for use as a standard or code of practice by any EEA State, or

which requires a level of performance equivalent to that required by the specified British Standard.

Revocations

13

The Regulations specified in the table in Part 1 of Schedule 19 are revoked.

Transitional and savings provisions

14

(1) Paragraph (2) applies to a sign—

(a) where the sign is in place immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations; or

(b) where the sign is referred to in paragraph (4) and is placed within a period of 12 weeks beginning with the day on which these Regulations come into force.

(2) A sign to which this paragraph applies and which is of a size, colour and type prescribed, or treated as prescribed, by the Traffic Signs Regulations 2002[^f00016] (“the 2002 Regulations”) is to be treated as being of a size, colour and type prescribed by these Regulations.

(3) A sign shown by diagram 2919.1 is not to be treated as being of a size, colour and type prescribed by these Regulations on or after 30th January 2022[^f00017].

(4) The signs referred to in paragraph (1)(b) are those shown by, or including as an element—

(a) diagram 515.2, 530, 532.2, 532.3, 574, 618.2, 618.3, 618.3A, 618.4, 629, 629.1, 629.2, 780A, 780.1A, 780.2A, 826, 826.1, 864.1 or 953.2;

(b) where the arrow symbols are of the maximum dimension permitted by the 2002 Regulations, diagram 868, 868.1, 872.1, 873, 874 or 875; and

or any of those diagrams varied in accordance with the 2002 Regulations.

(5) The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations 1997[^f00018] (“the 1997 Regulations”) are to be treated as remaining in force in relation to Pelican crossings (within the meaning of those Regulations) established—

(a) before the coming into force of these Regulations; or

(b) within a period of six months beginning with the day on which these Regulations come into force.

(6) In their application to Pelican crossings for the purposes of paragraph (5), the 1997 Regulations are modified in accordance with paragraphs (7) and (8).

(7) The exceptions to the prohibition imposed by regulation 12(1)(c) and (d) of the 1997 Regulations (about proceeding beyond a stop line when a steady amber or red signal is showing) are those at paragraph 5(4) to (6) of Part 1 of Schedule 14 to this Instrument and not those at regulation 12(1)(e) to (ec) of the 1997 Regulations (with the reference in paragraph 5(4) to the prohibition in sub-paragraph (3) treated as being instead a reference to the prohibition in paragraph (c) or (d) in regulation 12(1)).

(8) The exceptions to the prohibition imposed by regulation 20 of the 1997 Regulations (about stopping in a controlled area) in regulation 21(c) to (e) of those Regulations do not apply and instead the exceptions set out in paragraph 4(2)(d) of Part 5 of Schedule 14 to this Instrument apply.

(9) In this regulation, a reference to a diagram number is to that diagram number in the 2002 Regulations[^f00019].

Provision for review of these Regulations

15

(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—

(a) carry out a review of these Regulations;

(b) set out the conclusions of the review in a report; and

(2) The report must in particular—

(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory system established by these Regulations;

(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved; and

(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate and, if so, the extent to which they could be achieved with a system that imposes less regulation.

(3) The first report under this regulation must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with the day on which these Regulations come into force.

(4) Reports under this regulation are afterwards to be published at intervals not exceeding five years.

PART 2 — THE TRAFFIC SIGNS GENERAL DIRECTIONS 2016

Citation, commencement and extent

1

(1) This Part of this Instrument—

(a) may be cited—

(i) as the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016; and

(ii) together with Part 1, as the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016; and

(b) comes into force on 22nd April 2016.

(2) These General Directions extend to the whole of Great Britain.

Interpretation

2

(1) In these General Directions, “the Regulations” means the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016.

(2) Other words and expressions used in these General Directions, which are also used in the Regulations, have the same meaning as in the Regulations.

Application of general directions

3

The general directions in the final Part of each of Schedules 2 to 15 apply to the signs provided for in that Schedule to the extent indicated in the Schedule.

General provision about upright signs and associated plates and structure warning markings

4

(1) A plate or structure warning marking may only be placed in conjunction with an upright sign with which it is associated.

(2) An upright sign which has an associated plate or structure warning marking may be placed with or without that associated plate or structure warning marking.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in relation to a particular sign to the extent provision is made elsewhere in these General Directions about the placing of the sign with an associated plate or structure warning marking which contradicts paragraph (2).

General provision about placing of signs on vehicles

5

A sign must not be placed on a vehicle except as expressly authorised by these General Directions.

General provision about the removal of temporary signs

6

(1) Paragraph (2) applies to a sign placed for conveying to traffic a warning, information, requirement, restriction or prohibition of a temporary nature.

(2) The sign must not remain in place for longer than it is needed.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in relation to a particular sign to the extent provision is made elsewhere in these General Directions about the removal of that sign.

Studs that provide illumination

7

(1) A stud provided for in the Regulations that incorporates reflectors, retroreflecting material, a light source or any combination may only be placed if it complies with this general direction.

(2) If it incorporates reflectors or retroreflecting material, but no light source, a stud complies with this general direction if it is of a type which meets the applicable requirements and test specifications of the British Standard for retroreflecting studs.

(3) The applicable requirements and test specifications of the British Standard for retroreflecting studs for a type of stud of a description in column 2 of an item in the table are those shown in column 3.

(1)Item	(2)Description of stud	(3)British Standard requirement or test specification and class
1	Non depressible road stud	Dimensions : height-class H1 or H2
2	Depressible road stud	Dimensions : height-class H1, H2 or H3
3	Permanent road stud	Dimensions : maximum horizontal dimension exposed to traffic: HD1
4	Temporary road stud	Dimensions : minimum horizontal dimension exposed to traffic: HDT1
5	Permanent road stud	Night-time visibility : photometric requirements - class PRP1
6	Temporary road stud	Night-time visibility : photometric requirements - class PRT1
7	Temporary road stud	Daytime visibility : colour of body of studclass DCR1 fluorescent green-yellowclass DV1
8	Any stud	Colorimetric requirements-class NCR1 for white, amber, red or green retroreflectors only
9	Any stud	Primary assessment-class S1
10	Any stud	Night-time visibility assessment-class R1, R2 or R3

(4) The appropriate national authority may approve the placing of a type of stud on a road for the purpose of testing whether that type complies with the applicable requirements and test specifications of the British Standard for retroreflecting studs mentioned in paragraph (3).

(5) A stud which incorporates a light source (whether or not it also incorporates reflectors or retroreflecting material) complies with this general direction if it is of a type which has been approved for use on roads by the appropriate national authority.

(6) Approval under paragraph (4) or (5) must be given by a notice in writing to the supplier of the stud.

(7) The notice may provide that approval is for a specified time period only.

(8) A time period may be varied by a subsequent notice and a subsequent notice may provide for a time period where one has not previously been given.

(9) All studs ceasing to be of an approved type by reason of the expiry of a time period must be removed before the expiry of that period.

(10) In this general direction “national authority”—

(a) in relation to roads in England and Wales, means the Secretary of State; and

(b) in relation to roads in Scotland, means the Scottish Ministers.

(11) An approval having effect immediately before the coming into force of these Regulations that applies in relation to roads in Scotland is to be treated as having been given by the Scottish Ministers in relation to those roads.

Mounting of upright signs

8

(1) Where an upright sign is mounted on a post or other support specially provided for the purpose, the part of the post or support above the ground must be—

(a) a single colour; or

(b) the natural colour of the post or support,

but paragraphs (2), (3) and (5) provide for exceptions.

(2) Where the post or support is not likely to be readily visible to pedestrians, cyclists , drivers of electric scooters being used in a trial or equestrians, a yellow or white band not less than 140 mm nor more than 160 mm deep may be provided on the post with the lower edge of the band being not less than 1500 mm nor more than 1700 mm above ground level.

(3) Where the support provided for a portable upright sign comprises several components, the components need not all be of the same colour provided that each is of a single colour or the natural colour of the component.

(4) Paragraphs (1) to (3) do not apply to the mounting of a particular upright sign to the extent provision is made elsewhere in these General Directions about the post or other support for that sign.

(5) An identification code for maintenance purposes may be indicated, in characters not exceeding 25 mm in height, on a post or support on which an upright sign is mounted.

The backs of, and backing boards for, upright signs

9

(1) Paragraph (2) applies to—

(a) the back of an upright sign;

(b) the back of any backing board; and

(c) any other fitting provided for the assembly of a sign (including any container enclosing apparatus for the illumination of a sign).

(2) The back or other fitting must be grey, black or in a non-reflective metallic finish.

(3) Paragraphs (4) and (5) are exceptions to paragraph (2).

(4) Information about sites for placing, and the ownership of, the sign, and an identification code for maintenance purposes, may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding—

(a) 25 mm in height, where they are shown in a contrasting colour; or

(b) 50 mm in height, where they are embossed in the same colour.

(5) Information about the manufacture of the sign required in order to comply with—

(a) British Standard BS EN 12899-1:2007[^f00020]; or

(b) a corresponding EEA Standard,

occupying an area not exceeding 30 square centimetres, may be indicated on the back of the sign in characters not exceeding 5 mm in height.

(6) The front of any backing board for an upright sign must be coloured either grey or yellow.

(7) If the front of the backing board is coloured yellow it may be—

(a) reflectorised;

(b) fluorescent; or

(8) Where the front of the backing board is coloured yellow, the board must be rectangular in shape.

(9) This general direction does not apply to the extent provision is made elsewhere in these General Directions about the backs of, and backing boards for, particular upright signs.

Mutual recognition of standards

10

Any requirement in these General Directions to comply with a specified British Standard is satisfied by compliance with—

(a) a standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent body of any EEA State,

(b) any international standard recognised for use as a standard or code of practice by any EEA State, or

which requires a level of performance equivalent to that required by the British Standard specified.

Special directions

11

Nothing in these General Directions limits the power of the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers or the Welsh Ministers, by special direction under section 65(2) of the 1984 Act[^f00021], to dispense with, add to or modify any of the requirements of these General Directions in their application to any particular case.

Revocations

12

The General Directions specified in the table in Part 2 of Schedule 19 are revoked.

Saving

13

(1) This general direction applies to a sign that is in place immediately before the coming into force of these General Directions which does not, but for this general direction, comply with these General Directions.

(2) For so long as the way in which it is placed would have conformed with the Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings General Directions 1997[^f00022] or the Traffic Signs General Directions 2002[^f00023], it is to be treated as having been placed in conformity with these General Directions.

Provision for review of these General Directions

14

(1) The Secretary of State must from time to time—

(a) carry out a review of these General Directions;

(b) set out the conclusions of the review in a report; and

(2) The report must in particular—

(a) set out the objectives intended to be achieved by the regulatory system established by these General Directions;

(b) assess the extent to which those objectives are achieved; and

(c) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate and, if so, the extent to which they could be achieved with a system that imposes less regulation.

(3) The first report under this regulation must be published before the end of the period of five years beginning with the day on which these General Directions come into force.

(4) Reports under this general direction are afterwards to be published at intervals not exceeding five years.

SCHEDULE 1 — Definitions

(1)Term	(2)Meaning
“abnormal transport unit”	a motor vehicle or a vehicle combination—the overall length of which, inclusive of the load (if any) on the vehicle or the combination, exceeds 61 feet 6 inches (18.75 metres);the overall width of which, inclusive of the load (if any) on the vehicle or the combination, exceeds 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 metres); orthe maximum gross weight of which exceeds 44 tonnes; ora motor vehicle, or a vehicle combination, which is incapable of proceeding, or is unlikely to proceed, over a level crossing at a speed exceeding 5 mph
“actively managed hard shoulder”	a hard shoulder along which, by virtue of regulations under section 17(2) and (3) of the 1984 Act[^f00024], vehicular traffic may be driven at times for the time being indicated by signs in accordance with those regulations
“administrative area”	United Kingdom;England;Scotland;Wales;a county or district in England for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1972[^f00025];a county or county borough in Wales for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1972;a local government area for the purposes of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994[^f00026];a London Borough;Greater London;the City of London;the Isles of Scilly
“all-purpose road”	a road that is not a motorway
“amber light beacon”	a beacon which shows an intermittent amber light and which complies with the beacon requirements
“articulated vehicle”	a motor vehicle with a trailer so attached to it as to be partially superimposed upon it
“backing board”	includes any background (except a wall to which a sign is fixed) against which a sign is displayed
“beacon requirements”	the requirements applying to beacons and which are specified in Part 10 of Schedule 13
“blood and blood components”	have the same meaning as in regulation 1(3) of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005[^f00027]
“blood service purposes”	the collection or distribution of blood or blood components by NHS Blood and Transplant[^f00028], the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service[^f00029], the Welsh Blood Service[^f00030] or the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service[^f00031]
“blue light beacon”	a beacon showing an intermittent blue light which complies with the beacon requirements
“breakdown vehicle”	has the same meaning as in regulation 3(2) of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989[^f00032]
“British Standard for retroreflecting studs”	British Standard BS EN 1463-1: 2009[^f00033] on retro reflecting road studs when read with British Standard BS EN 1463-2: 2000[^f00034] on road test performance for retroreflecting road studs
“bus”	unless the context requires otherwise—a motor vehicle constructed or adapted to carry more than 8 passengers (exclusive of the driver); ora local bus
“bus lane”	a traffic lane reserved for electric scooters being used in a trial and—buses; andwhere indicated on a sign, authorised vehicles, pedal cycles, electric scooters being used in a trial, solo motor cycles or taxis
“carriageway”	in relation to a highway in England or Wales, or a road in Scotland, a way constituting or comprised in the highway or road being a way over which the public has a right of way for the passage of vehicles or class of vehicles, andin relation to any other road in England or Wales to which the public has access, that part of the road to which vehicles have access,but does not include in either case any central reservation
“central reservation”	any land between the carriageways of a road comprising two carriageways; orany permanent work (other than a traffic island) in the carriageway of a road,which separates the carriageway or, as the case may be, the part of the carriageway, which is to be used by traffic moving in one direction from the carriageway or part of the carriageway which is to be used (whether at all times or at particular times only) by traffic moving in the other direction
“ceremonial area”	in relation to England, an area that is to be regarded as a county for the purposes of the Lieutenancies Act 1997[^f00035] (“the 1997 Act”) by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to that Act;in relation to Wales, a preserved county within the meaning of paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the 1997 Act;in relation to Scotland, an area for the purposes of the 1997 Act within the meaning of paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 to that Act
“circular sign”	an upright sign which is of a circular shape
“civil emergency”	an emergency within the meaning of section 1 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004[^f00036] or terrorism within the meaning of section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000[^f00037]
“civil emergency warning or information”	a warning or information about a civil emergency or the prospect of a civil emergency
“congestion charging zone”	an area in which the roads are designated for the purposes of a scheme for imposing charges in respect of the keeping or use of motor vehicles on roads
“contraflow”	a carriageway, or part of a carriageway, of a road where—traffic is authorised to proceed in the opposite direction to the usual direction of traffic on that part; ora specified class of traffic is authorised to proceed in the opposite direction to other traffic on that carriageway
“controlled parking zone”	either—an area—in which every part of every road is subject to a prohibition indicated by single or double yellow lines or single or double yellow kerb markings (except where parking spaces have been provided, where entrance to or exit from the road is made, where there is a prohibition or restriction on waiting, stopping, loading or unloading indicated by a different sign or where there is a crossing) whether or not an upright sign to indicate the same prohibition is placed in conjunction with the line or kerb marking; andinto which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by the sign provided for at item 1 or 3 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 5; oran area—in which at least one sign provided for at item 3 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 4 has been placed on each side of every road; andin which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by a sign provided for at item 4 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 5
“corresponding EEA standard”	a standard, code of practice or technical specification of a kind referred to in regulation 12 which requires a level of performance equivalent to that required by a British Standard
“cycle lane”	part of a carriageway of a road reserved for pedal cycles which is separated from the rest of the carriageway— if it may not be used by vehicles other than electric scooters being used in a trial and pedal cycles— (i) by the marking provided for at item 7 of the sign table in Part 6 of Schedule 9; or(ii) by a barrier provided in accordance with section 4 of the Cycle Tracks Act 1984, in the case of a way that would be a cycle track but for it being accessible, under a temporary statutory provision, by electric scooters being used in a trial;if it may be used by vehicles other than electric scooters being used in a trial and pedal cycles when clear of such electric scooters and pedal cycles, by the marking provided for at item 2 or 3 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11
“cycle track”	in relation to England and Wales, has the same meaning as in section 329(1) of the Highways Act 1980[^f00038];in relation to Scotland, has the same meaning as in section 151(2)(b) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984[^f00039]
“depressible stud”	a stud fitted in such a way that the height by which it, or part of it, projects above the surface of the adjacent carriageway is reduced when pressure is applied from above
“designated lane”	a traffic lane reserved, by an order under section 1, 6, 9, 14, 16A or 19 of the 1984 Act[^f00040] (traffic regulation orders and orders similar to traffic regulation orders), for use by such class of vehicular traffic as is, by the order, specified for the purpose of that reservation
“disabled badge holder symbol”	refers to this symbol: [image omitted]
“double red lines”	the road marking provided for at item 11 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“double yellow kerb marking”	the road marking provided for at item 3 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“double yellow lines”	the road marking provided for at item 1 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“driver”	in relation to a vehicle which is a motor cycle or pedal cycle, the person riding the vehicle who is, or is purporting to be, in control of it; andin relation to an abnormal transport unit—where that unit is a single motor vehicle the driver of that vehicle; orwhere that unit is a vehicle combination, the driver of the only or the foremost motor vehicle forming part of that combination
“dual carriageway road”	a road which comprises a central reservation and “all-purpose dual carriageway road” means a dual carriageway road which is not a motorway
“electric scooter”	a motor vehicle which—is fitted with an electric motor with a maximum continuous power rating not exceeding 500 watts;is not fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling the vehicle;has two wheels, one front and one rear, aligned along the direction of travel;is designed to carry no more than one person;has a maximum weight, excluding the driver, not exceeding 55 kilograms;has a maximum design speed not exceeding 15.5 miles per hour;has a means of directional control through the use of handlebars which are mechanically linked to the steered wheel;has a means of controlling the speed through hand controls; andhas a power control that defaults to the ‘off’ position;
“emergency vehicle”	has the same meaning as in regulation 3(2) of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989
“equestrian crossing”	a place on the carriageway of a road—at which provision is made for equestrian traffic to cross the carriageway; andthe presence of which is indicated by a combination of—the traffic light signals provided for at item 1, 3 or 4 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14;the signals provided for at—items 15 and 16 of that table; orthe signal provided for at item 17 (whether or not placed with the signal provided for at item 18); andthe road marking provided for at item 55 or 56
“excursion or tour”	has the meaning given in section 137(1) of the Transport Act 1985[^f00041]
“fire and rescue authority”	is to be construed in accordance with section 1 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004[^f00042]
“fluorescent green-yellow”	has the same meaning as in the British Standard for retroreflecting studs
“General Directions”	the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016[^f00043]
“give way sign”	the upright sign provided for at item 2 in the Part 2 sign table in Schedule 9
“goods vehicle”	a motor vehicle or trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description (and a reference in a diagram to “t” is to the maximum gross weight in tonnes)
“hard shoulder”	in relation to a motorway in England and Wales, has the meaning given by regulation 3(1)(e) of the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982[^f00044] and, in relation to a motorway in Scotland, regulation 2(1) of the Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995[^f00045]
“historic county area”	an area that at the time of the placing of the sign in question is not, but was, a county
“hours of darkness”	the time between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise
“junction”	a road junction
“layout or character”	in relation to a road, means the layout or character of the road itself and does not include the layout or character of any land or premises adjacent to the road
“leisure facility”	those facilities of a description in column 2 of—items 4 to 12 in Part 14 of Schedule 12;items 4, 12, 18, 34 to 38, 43, 44, 60, 63, 64 and 67 of Part 15 of Schedule 12;item 4 of Part 16 of Schedule 12;item 4 of Part 18 of Schedule 12;a tourist hostel
“level crossing”	a place where a road is crossed by a railway or tramway on a reserved track on the same level
“local”	when shown on a bus symbol, indicates that the road or the traffic lane on or near which the sign has been placed must be used only by local buses.
“local bus”	a public service vehicle used for the provision of a local service not being an excursion or tour
“local public authority”	in England, any body, other person or holder of any office listed in Part 2 (local government) of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000, other than in paragraphs 7(b) and 33 of that list;
“local service”	has the meaning given in section 2 of the Transport Act 1985
“major road”	the road at a junction into which there emerges vehicular traffic from a minor road
“matrix sign”	a light signal for conveying information or a warning, requirement, restriction, prohibition or speed limit to traffic on a motorway, or an all-purpose dual carriageway road
“maximum gross weight”	in the case of a motor vehicle not drawing a trailer or in the case of a trailer, its maximum laden weight;in the case of an articulated vehicle, its maximum laden weight (if it has one) and otherwise the aggregate maximum laden weight of all the individual vehicles forming part of that articulated vehicle;in the case of a motor vehicle (other than an articulated vehicle) drawing one or more trailers, the aggregate maximum laden weight of the motor vehicle and the trailer or trailers drawn by it
“maximum laden weight”	in relation to a vehicle (including a vehicle which is a trailer) means—in the case of a vehicle as respects which a gross weight not to be exceeded in Great Britain is specified in construction and use requirements (as defined by section 41(7) of the Road Traffic Act 1988[^f00046]), the weight so specified;in the case of a vehicle as respects which no such weight is so specified, the weight which the vehicle is designed or adapted not to exceed when in normal use and travelling on a road laden;
“maximum speed limit sign”	the sign provided for at item 1 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 10
“method of illumination”	is a reference to illumination by internal or external lighting or reflectorisation
“minor road”	a road on which, at its junction with another road, there is placed the sign at item 1 or 2 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 9 or the road marking at item 3 of the sign table in Part 6 of that Schedule
“minor route”	a road which, under the system for assigning identification numbers to roads administered by the Secretary of State, Scottish Ministers or Welsh Ministers, has not been assigned a number prefixed by A, B or M
“mobile road works”	road works carried out by or from a vehicle or vehicles which move slowly along the road or which stop briefly from time to time along that road
“motorway”	a special road which—in England and Wales (except if otherwise provided by or under regulations made under, or having effect as if made under, section 17 of the 1984 Act[^f00047]), can be used by traffic only of Class I or Class II as specified in Schedule 4 to the Highways Act 1980[^f00048];in Scotland, can be used by traffic only of Class I or Class II as specified in Schedule 3 to the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984[^f00049]
“mph”	miles per hour
“national promoter of tourism”	in relation to England, the British Tourist Authority[^f00050];in relation to Scotland, VisitScotland[^f00051]; andin relation to Wales, Welsh Ministers[^f00052]
“national speed limit”	any prohibition imposed on a road by the 70 miles per hour, 60 miles per hour and 50 miles per hour (Temporary Speed Limit) Order 1977[^f00053] or by regulation 3 of the Motorways Traffic (Speed Limits) Regulations 1974[^f00054]
“NHS ambulance service”	an NHS trust or NHS foundation trust established under the National Health Service Act 2006[^f00055] which has a function of providing ambulance services;an NHS trust established under the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006[^f00056] which has a function of providing ambulance services;the Scottish Ambulance Service Board
“non-primary route”	a route, not being a primary route or a motorway or part of a primary route or of a motorway
“panel”	a rectangular or square part of a sign which is distinguishable from the other part or parts of the sign by being of a contrasting colour or having a border of a contrasting colour
“Parallel controlled area”	a length of carriageway—which—is adjacent to a Parallel crossing; andin the manner shown in the diagram at item 53 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14, has a zig-zag line, of the type provided for at that item, marked along each of its edges (with or without zig-zag lines also marked down its centre) and give way markings, of the type provided for at item 54 of that table, marked parallel to the crossing; andin or near which no other signs or markings have been placed except ones—comprised in the combination of signs and markings indicating the presence of the facility for crossing; orprovided for at item—3, 7, 8 or 10 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 3;2 or 73 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 11; or18, 28 or 33 in the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11
“Parallel crossing”	a place on the carriageway—where provision is made for pedestrians , drivers of electric scooters being used in a trial and cyclists to cross the carriageway;the presence of which is indicated by—a yellow globe of the type provided for at item 27 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14 at each end of the crossing (except that globes need not be present at a crossing that only crosses a cycle track);in respect of the part of the crossing for drivers of electric scooters being used in a trial and pedestrians, the black and white stripes shown in the diagram at item 53 and in respect of which provision is made at paragraph 18 of Part 1 of that Schedule (including provision for the black stripes to be a different colour); andin respect of the part of the crossing for cyclists, the markings provided for at item 57 together with, where used, the cycle symbols shown in the diagram at item 53 of that sign table; andthe limits of which are indicated—in so far as they relate to the part for pedestrians, the stripes; andin so far as they relate to the part for cyclists, the marking at item 57
“parking place identifier”	any symbol, logo, letter, numeral or name (or combination) of any size in a colour that contrasts with the background on which they are placed, whether or not placed on a patch which may be of any colour, which indicates or identifies an area or location in which restrictions on the parking of vehicles apply by reference to a particular parking place or group of parking places
“pedal cycle”	a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle or cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case mechanically propelled unless it is an electrically assisted pedal cycle that is not treated as a motor vehicle for the purposes of the 1984 Act[^f00057]
“pedestrian zone”	an area—which has been laid out to improve amenity for pedestrians; andto which the entry of vehicles is prohibited or restricted
“pedestrian and cycle zone”	an area—which has been laid out to improve amenity for pedestrians , drivers of electric scooters being used in a trial and cyclists; andto which the entry of vehicles, except electric scooters being used in a trial and pedal cycles, is prohibited or restricted
“permit identifier”	any upper case letter or letters, with or without a number, whether or not placed on a patch which may be of any colour, where the letter and, as the case may be, number are of any size, in a colour that contrasts with the background on which they are placed and indicate a type of permit
“permit parking area”	an area—into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by the sign provided for at item 5 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 5; andwhere any parking place within that area reserved for the use of the permit holders as indicated on that sign is not shown by markings on the road (whether or not an upright sign is placed next to, or near, such a parking place to indicate that only the permit holders in question may use the place)
“plate”	a sign which may or must (as indicated in the General Directions) be used to supplement or qualify the message conveyed by an upright sign. And an “associated plate” refers to a plate which supplements or qualifies a particular upright sign
“police vehicle”	a vehicle being used for police purposes or operating under the instructions of a chief officer of police
“portable signal controlled pedestrian facility”	a place on the carriageway—which is not a section 25 crossing;where temporary provision is made for pedestrians to cross the carriageway;the presence of which is indicated by the signs provided for in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14 at item 2, item 60 and —item 9 (with or without item 10) and either item 11 or 12; oritem 13; andthe presence of which may in addition be indicated by—either or both of the road markings provided for at item 46 (stop line) and 55 (crossing marking) of the table; andwhere—all streams of vehicular traffic are stopped only for the purpose of enabling pedestrians to cross the carriageway; andboth the stop line and crossing markings provided for at items 46 and 55 respectively are also placed,the road marking provided for at item 51 of the table
“primary route”	a route, not being a route comprising any part of a motorway, in relation to which a determination has been made that it provides the most satisfactory route for through traffic between places of traffic importance under the administrative system for so determining that is the responsibility of the Secretary of State, Scottish Ministers or Welsh Ministers in England, Scotland and Wales respectively
“principal road”	in England and Wales, a road classified as a principal road in accordance with section 12 of the Highways Act 1980[^f00058] (whether as falling within subsection (1) or classified under subsection (3));in Scotland, a road classified as a principal road in accordance with section 11(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984[^f00059]
“Puffin controlled area”	a length of carriageway—which is adjacent to a Puffin crossing, has a zig-zag line marked along each of its edges (with or without zig-zag lines also marked down its centre) and is shown by the markings in the diagram at item 51 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14 and stop line markings, of the type provided for at item 46 or 49 of that table, marked parallel to the crossing; andin or near which no other signs or markings have been placed except ones—comprised in the combination of signs and markings indicating the presence of the facility for crossing; orprovided for at item—3, 7, 8 or 10 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 3;2 or 73 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 11; or18, 28 or 33 in the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11
“Puffin crossing”	a section 25 crossing—where provision is made for pedestrians to cross the carriageway; andthe presence of which is indicated by a combination of—the traffic light signals provided for at item 1, 3 or 4 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14;the nearside light signals provided for at item 13 (whether or not used with the supplementary nearside signals provided for at item 14) of that table; andthe crossing marking provided for at item 55 of that table
“red route”	a road in respect of which the prohibition indicated by single or double red lines has been imposed by an order or notice under the 1984 Act (subject to such exceptions as are provided for by such an order or notice).This definition does not apply when “red route” is used in the phrase “red route clearway”
“red route clearway”	a road in respect of which the prohibition indicated by the sign provided for at item 8 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 7 has been imposed by an order or notice under the 1984 Act (subject to such exceptions as are provided for by such an order or notice)
“reflectorised”	illuminated by the use of retroreflecting material (and “reflectorisation” is to be construed accordingly)
“retroreflecting material”	material which reflects a ray of light back towards the source of that light
“refuge for pedestrians”	a part of a road to which vehicles do not have access and on which pedestrians may wait after crossing one part of the carriageway and before crossing the other
“refuge for pedestrians and cyclists”	a part of a road to which vehicles (other than electric scooters being used in a trial and pedal cycles) do not have access and on which pedestrians , drivers of such electric scooters and cyclists may wait after crossing one part of the carriageway and before crossing the other
“restricted parking zone”	an area—into which each entrance for vehicular traffic has been indicated by a sign which includes the symbol and legend at item 2 of the sign table in Part 3 of Schedule 5; andin which none of the road markings at items 1 to 4 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7 has been placed
“road maintenance vehicle”	a vehicle which is specially designed or adapted for use on a road by or on behalf of a traffic authority for the purposes of road maintenance
“road marking”	a sign consisting of a line, mark or legend on a road
“road works”	works for the improvement, alteration or maintenance of a road and includes—in relation to England and Wales, street works as defined by section 48(3) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991[^f00060];in relation to Scotland, road works as defined by section 107(3) of that Act
“Schedule [x] General Direction”	where [x] is replaced by a number, is a reference to a general direction that, pursuant to general direction 3 in Part 2 of this Instrument, is contained in the Schedule bearing that number
“school crossing patrol sign”	a sign exhibited by a school crossing patrol for the purpose of stopping a vehicle in accordance with section 28(1) of the 1984 Act and provided for at item 24 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14
“school crossing place”	a place in a road where children cross or seek to cross that road on their way to or from school or on their way from one part of a school to another
“section 25 crossing”	a Puffin crossing or a Zebra crossing
“section 25 crossing controlled area”	a Puffin-controlled area or a Zebra-controlled area
“sign”	a traffic sign or a school crossing patrol sign
“sign table”	a table in Schedules 2 to 15 that is headed “Sign table” (followed by the Schedule and Part in which the table appears)
“signal-controlled crossing facility”	an equestrian crossing, a signal-controlled pedestrian facility or a Toucan crossing
“signal-controlled crossing facility controlled area”	a length of carriageway—which is adjacent to a signal-controlled crossing facility and has a zig-zag line marked along each of its edges (with or without zig-zag lines also marked down its centre) and is shown by the markings in the diagram at item 51 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14 and stop line markings, of the type provided for at item 46 or 49 of that table, marked parallel to the crossing; andin or near which no other signs or markings have been placed except ones—comprised in the combination of signs and markings indicating the presence of the facility for crossing; orprovided for at item—3, 7, 8 or 10 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 3;2 or 73 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 11; or18, 28 or 33 in the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11
“signal-controlled pedestrian facility”	a place on the carriageway of a road—which is not a section 25 crossing;where provision is made for pedestrians to cross the carriageway; andthe presence of which is indicated by a combination of—the traffic light signals provided for at item 1, 3 or 4 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14;the sign provided for at—item 9 (with or without item 10) and either item 11 or 12 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14; oritem 13 of the table (whether or not placed with the signal provided for at item 14); andthe road marking provided for at item 55 or 56 of the table
“single red line”	the road marking provided for at item 12 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“single yellow kerb marking”	the road marking provided for at item 4 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“single yellow line”	the road marking provided for at item 2 of the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 7
“solo motor cycle”	a motor cycle without a side car
“special forces purposes”	the use of a vehicle for naval, military or air force purposes where—the person driving the vehicle is a member of a unit of the armed forces of the Crown the maintenance of whose capabilities is the responsibility of the Director of Special Forces or which is for the time being subject to the operational command of that Director; andthe vehicle is being driven—in response, or for practice in responding to, a national security emergency by a person who has been trained in driving vehicles at high speeds; orfor the purpose of training a person in driving vehicles at high speeds
“speed limit”	a maximum or minimum limit of speed on the driving of vehicles on a road—imposed by an order under section 14 of the 1984 Act[^f00061] (temporary prohibition or restriction of traffic on roads);imposed by an order under section 16A of the 1984 Act[^f00062] (special events);imposed by regulations under section 17 of the 1984 Act[^f00063] (traffic regulation on special roads);arising by virtue of the road being restricted for the purposes of section 81 of the 1984 Act (general speed limit for restricted roads);imposed by an order under section 84 of the 1984 Act[^f00064] (speed limits on roads other than restricted roads);imposed by an order under section 88 of the 1984 Act[^f00065] (temporary speed limits); orimposed by or under a local Act,and “maximum speed limit” and “minimum speed limit” are to be construed accordingly
“stop line”	has the meaning given in paragraph 30 of Part 1 of Schedule 14
“stop sign”	the upright sign provided for at item 1 in the Part 2 sign table in Schedule 9
“the stopping prohibited symbol”	refers to this symbol: [image omitted]
“stroke width”	25% of the x-height
“structure warning marking”	the markings provided for at items 3 and 4 of the sign table in Part 5 of Schedule 2 which may be used to supplement a triangular or circular sign and in the phrase “associated structure warning marking”, “associated” refers to the marking in question being supplementary to a particular triangular or circular sign
“stud”	a prefabricated device fixed or embedded in the carriageway of a road
“system of street-lighting”	the presence on a road of at least three lamps, lit by electricity, provided for the purposes of illuminating the road, and placed no more than—183 metres apart in England and Wales, or185 metres apart in Scotland
“taxi”	in England and Wales, a vehicle licensed under—section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847[^f00066]; orsection 6 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869[^f00067];or under any similar enactment;in Scotland, a taxi licensed under section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982[^f00068]
“taxi rank”	an area of carriageway reserved for use by taxis waiting to pick up passengers
“temporary hazard warning”	a warning about, or information on how to avoid, any temporary hazards caused by—works being executed on or near a road;adverse weather conditions or other natural causes;the failure of street-lighting or malfunction of, or damage to, any other apparatus, equipment or facility used in connection with the road or anything situated on or near or under it; ordamage to the road itself
“temporary information”	information about—the time, date or location of road works;the expected delay that road works may cause;convenient routes to be followed on the occasion of a sporting event, an exhibition or any other public gathering which is likely to attract a large volume of traffic;diversions or alternative routes;check points at which drivers of goods vehicles or public service vehicles may be required to stop;the availability of new routes or destinations; orchanges in route numbers;information for drivers of wide loads about action to be taken in respect of road works ahead; orrequests by the police for information in connection with road traffic accidents
“temporary statutory provision”	a provision having effect under section 9 or section 14 of the 1984 Act or under a provision referred to in section 66 of that Act[^f00069];a prohibition, restriction or requirement indicated by a sign placed pursuant to section 67 of the 1984 Act[^f00070]; ora provision having effect under section 62 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984[^f00071]
“terminal sign”	a sign placed to indicate the point at which a requirement, restriction or prohibition begins or ends
“Toucan crossing”	a place on the carriageway of a road—where provision is made for both pedestrians , drivers of electric scooters being used in a trial and pedal cyclists to cross the carriageway; andthe presence of which is indicated by a combination of—the traffic light signals provided for at item 1, 3 or 4 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14;the signals provided for at item 19 (with or without item 10) and either item 12 or 20 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14; orthe signal provided for at item 21 of that table (whether or not placed with the signal provided for at item 22 of the table); andthe road marking provided for at item 55 or 56 of the table
“tourist destination”	a Tourist Information Centre or Point;a permanently established attraction or facility (other than a leisure facility) which—attracts or is used by visitors to an area;is open to the public without prior booking during its normal opening hours; andis recognised as a tourist attraction or facility by the appropriate national promoter of tourism;a village, town or city that is of particular interest to tourists;a route that is of particular interest to tourists
“Tourist Information Centre”	a staffed information service centre recognised and supported by the appropriate national promoter of tourism
“Tourist Information Point”	a display of tourist information approved by the appropriate national promoter of tourism or another person or body responsible for promoting tourism for a particular village, town or other area of England, Wales or Scotland
“traffic lane”	a part of the carriageway intended for use by vehicles travelling in a particular direction or reserved for use by vehicles of a particular type and separated from other parts of the carriageway by road markings
“traffic light signals”	the light signals provided for at items 1 to 4 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14
“traffic officer”	has the meaning given in section 100(5) of the 1984 Act[^f00072]
“tramcar”	has the meaning given in section 141A(4) of the 1984 Act[^f00073]
“trial”	an assessment as to the suitability of electric scooters for use on roads conducted by virtue of—an order made under sections 44 and 63(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988; oran arrangement made between one or more local public authorities and a person who hires out electric scooters
“triangular sign”	an upright sign which is of a triangular shape
“trolley vehicle”	has the meaning given in section 141A(4) of the 1984 Act
“trunk road”	has the meaning given—as respects England and Wales, in section 329(1) of the Highways Act 1980[^f00074];as respects Scotland, in section 151(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984[^f00075];
“tunnel restriction code”	any of the codes specified in Chapter 1.9 of Part 1 of Annex A to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) as applicable from 1st January 2015[^f00076]
“upright sign”	a traffic sign other than a plate, a structure warning marking, a road marking or light signals
“variable message sign”	a device which complies with the requirements of Part 1 of Schedule 16 and is capable of displaying, at different times, two or more of the following—a sign provided for in Schedule 2 to 13 or 15;a legend provided for in Schedule 16; anda blank grey or a blank black face.
“vehicle combination”	a combination of vehicles made up of one or more motor vehicles and one or more trailers all of which are linked together when travelling
“with-flow”	indicates that the bus or cycle lane in question is for the use of traffic of a type permitted to use that lane proceeding in the same direction as general traffic in an adjoining traffic lane
“x-height”	the height of the lower case “x” in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 17
“Zebra controlled area”	a length of carriageway—which—is adjacent to a Zebra crossing; andin the manner shown in the diagram at item 52 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14, has a zig-zag line, of the type provided for at that item, marked along each of its edges (with or without zig-zag lines also marked down its centre) and give way markings, of the type provided for at item 54 of that table, marked parallel to the crossing; andin or near which no other signs or markings have been placed except ones—comprised in the combination of signs and markings indicating the presence of the facility for crossing; orprovided for at item—3, 7, 8 or 10 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 3;2 or 73 in the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 11; or18, 28 or 33 in the sign table in Part 4 of Schedule 11
“Zebra crossing”	a place on the carriageway—where provision is made for pedestrians to cross the carriageway;the presence of which is indicated by—a yellow globe of the type provided for at item 27 of the sign table in Part 2 of Schedule 14 at each end of the crossing (except that globes need not be present at a crossing that only crosses a cycle track , or which crosses a minor road in the circumstances described in paragraph 25A(2) of Part 1 of Schedule 14);the black and white stripes shown in the diagram at item 52 of that table and in respect of which provision is made at paragraph 18 of Part 1 of that Schedule (including provision for the black stripes to be a different colour); andwhere used, the marking provided for at item 55 of that table; andthe limits of which are indicated by the stripes except that, where used, the limit is indicated by the marking at item 55
“zone identifier”	any symbol, logo, letter, numeral or name (or combination) of any size in a colour that contrasts with the background on which they are placed, whether or not placed on a patch which may be of any colour, which indicates or identifies an area or location in which restrictions on the parking of vehicles apply by reference to that area or location

SCHEDULE 2 — Signs that warn of hazards and signs for bridges and other structures

PART 1 — Provisions applying to signs and plates in Parts 2 and 3

1

A warning of a description in column 2 of an item in the sign table in Part 2 must be conveyed by a triangular sign which is of—

(a) the colour and type provided for in the diagram in column 3; and

(b) the size shown for a sign in the diagram above the table.

2

A warning or information in column 4 of an item in the sign table in Part 2 is for supplementing the warning in column 2 and is to be conveyed by a plate (“a first associated plate”) which—

(a) includes the legend indicated in column 4 in a manner which complies with the requirements as to size provided for in respect of a plate in the diagram above the sign table in Part 2; and

(b) is of the colour and type provided for in that diagram.

3

Where a number is mentioned in column 5 of the sign table in Part 2, the plate provided for at that item number in the sign table in Part 3 (a “supplementary associated plate”) is an associated plate of the triangular sign in question.

4

A provision of Part 7 mentioned (by reference to paragraph number) in column 6 of the sign table in Part 2 applies in relation to the triangular sign in question.

5

A Schedule 2 General Direction mentioned (by reference to paragraph number) in column 7 of the sign table in Part 2 applies in relation to the triangular sign in question.

PART 2 — Warning signs and associated plates

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