What is Chapter 8?

The Chapter 8 guidelines feature in the Department for Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual.

The code of practice ensures the safety of highway workers and the public road users by directing the signing, lighting and guarding of street works and road works.

This guide provides everything you need to know when it comes to Chapter 8 regulations. 

What is Chapter 8 traffic management?

Chapter 8 traffic management refers to Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual titled ‘Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations’. This chapter is broken down into three parts and provides detailed information on:

• The design of temporary traffic management arrangements
• The planning and managing of, and participation in, operations to implement, maintain and remove temporary traffic management arrangements
• Changes to the methods used to prescribe traffic signs in the 2016 Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions

The remaining chapters of the Traffic Signs Manual offer further in-depth guidance on the use of traffic signs and reflective road markings.

For simplicity, the Department for Transport has provided a condensed version of these guidelines known as the red book.

The red book includes the statutory requirements for signing, lighting, and guarding at road works.

What are the Chapter 8 regulations?

The Chapter 8 regulations were created by the Department for Transport and cover all the principles that must be followed when signing, lighting and guarding works on all highways.

The guidelines apply to all those responsible for street and road works, from operatives and supervisors to planners and designers.

What are Chapter 8 barriers?

Chapter 8 barriers effectively control and guide pedestrians and vehicles near road or street works.

These barriers feature vivid colours and reflective strips and meet minimum height and width requirements. 

They have a modular, interlocking design with anti-trip feet and are freestanding once connected.

Made from durable materials like plastic and rubber, these barriers can withstand potential vehicle impacts without being damaged.

What are Chapter 8 signs?

Chapter 8 signs include reflective strips and bold colouring. The size and height requirements vary depending on the road type and speed limit.

The placement of these signs is as vital as their appearance and should be tailored to each work site.

They should be placed wherever they are most visible to their intended target without causing any inconvenience or danger to road or footpath users.

What are Chapter 8 cones?

Chapter 8 cones are required to meet high visibility standards and must feature various colours, reflective sleeves and sizes depending on their function.

For example, 750mm and 1m cones should be used on roads where the speed of traffic exceeds 50mph. Meanwhile, 460mm and 500mm cones can be used for traffic speeds of less than 40mph on a dual carriage way or 50mph for a single carriage way.

The Chapter 8 guidelines also dictate that all cones being deployed are in good condition – any reflective sleeves should be clean and visible.

Is Chapter 8 compliance required by law?

While the Chapter 8 guidelines in the Road Traffic Manual are not legislation, compliance is typically required by local authorities and highway maintenance. 

Adhering to the guidelines is considered good practice and is vital to maintaining safety standards. There could still be legal implications if there is a failure to comply with the guidelines and an accident occurs.

If you need further information on the Chapter 8 guidelines and which products you require, call our trained sales team on +44 (0)1905 794875. We can also discuss special delivery needs and discounts for bulk quantity requirements.