New TSRGD comes into force

The 2016 Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) will come into force on 22 April.

According to the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), 50 new signs have been added, there are greater variations for existing ones and some sign lighting requirement relaxations.

Chair of the IHE signs panel, Simon Morgan, said: “The IHE is pleased to see this statutory instrument published, having been involved in its gestation since the start of the Traffic Signs Policy Review in 2008.

“Over the past eight years, we’ve been working closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the proposals by promoting discussion, checking drafts and proposing improvements.

“The IHE ran successful series of UK-wide road-shows for DfT to update practitioners on the proposed changes and ascertain their views and needs, and the subject has been top of the agenda at all recent IHE traffic signs conferences. We’re very pleased to have been able to assist the DfT in developing this new legislation and hope that practitioners will soon become familiar with it.”

“The greater flexibility given to highway authorities in the revised TSRGD includes more discretion about the design and placement of many signs. About 50 new signs have been added, with more permitted variants for existing ones and some relaxation of sign lighting requirements.

“Closer to the coming in force date the DfT will publish guidance which explains the new structure and highlights the changes, but revision of the Traffic Signs Manual is still some months away.”

The TSRGD can be downloaded at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/362/pdfs/uksi_20160362_en.pdf