If you need to carry out work on the roads, Chapter 8 regulations are designed to help you stay safe. It sets out the safety guidelines, signage and markings required for temporary traffic management.
What is Chapter 8 traffic management?
This set of regulations is aimed at managers, designers, supervisors, planners and operatives who are responsible for keeping the road safe during any temporary works.
No road user, including cyclists and horse riders, should be put at risk during the works. These obstructions should be clearly marked using products like bollards, barriers, road signage and chapter 8 chevrons.
What are the Chapter 8 regulations?
Chapter 8 traffic regulations were created by the Department for Transport and are part of the Traffic Signs Manual, otherwise known as the Red Book. Although the regulations are not legislation, they are considered best practice. Therefore, compliance will safeguard you against any potential legal action since the basic principles are covered by other legislation.
The regulations are split into three sections:
1. Design: Provides guidance for those involved in the design of temporary traffic management signage
2. Operations: Provides guidance for those responsible for planning, managing and implementing temporary traffic management systems
3. Update: Introduces new options for traffic control but does not replace the design of temporary road traffic management arrangements
What markings are Chapter 8 compliant?
Compliance can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the situation in which it is used. However, all vehicles stopping on the highway should be equipped with high-visibility markings of a conspicuous and non-reflective colour like yellow or white.
Chapter 8 chevrons are widely available from companies like https://www.vehiclechevrons.com/ and will ensure that your vehicle is compliant with the regulations, whether your vehicle is under or above 7.5 tonnes. These should be upward-facing chevron stripes in alternating yellow and red. They should be made of a retro reflective material for maximum nighttime visibility and cover as much of the rear of the vehicle as it can without obscuring the windows, lighting or registration plates.
Benefits of Chapter 8 compliance
Research shows that vehicles where the contours are outlined in high-visibility tape contribute to a reduction in accidents. This increased visibility is also a factor in creating a better safety record for your business, which, in turn, improves your corporate image.