An updated version of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) has been published, combining design, operations and updates into one document.

Officials at National Highways, which manages the document on behalf of DfT, said: 'We're excited to share that the editorial rewrite edition of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) Chapter 8 has been published.

'TSM Chapter 8 is the code of practice for the planning, design and implementation of temporary traffic management arrangements for road works, street works and other temporary situations. It also includes guidance on the installation, maintenance and removal of temporary signs and equipment.

Written for traffic authorities – as well as their contractors, designers and managing agents – the latest code supersedes the previous version, which was split into three parts.

This new edition consolidates Parts 1 (Design), 2 (Operations) and 3 (Update) into a single, unified publication. The new version aims to reduce duplication and overlap as well as provide updated images and traffic management plans.

The updated chapter, along with the rest of the manual, can be found here.

Alongside this, National Highways confirmed that it is also piloting a new 'change control' process, which allows suggested changes to Chapter 8 to be submitted for consideration by a new review panel and steering group which the strategic roads operator has assembled.

The submission process is broken into four phases:

  • Phase 1: Start the process by completing our simple submission form. Once we've received it, we'll be in touch to explain how you can share the information and documents we need.
  • Phase 2: The Review Panel will look at the submission and any related information. They'll then recommend whether the change should be added to Chapter 8.
  • Phase 3: If the recommendation is to accept, our Steering Group (formed of representatives from across the industry) will reach a final decision on the submission.
  • Phase 4: Any approved changes will be added to Chapter 8 and included in the next published version.

Full guidance on how to submit suggestions can be found here.