Clearer Roads Ahead: Understanding New Site Speed Limit Guidance
Here at Paramount Personnel, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in road safety and traffic management, especially as they pertain to those working within or interacting with construction environments. National Highways has recently issued a safety alert (NHA359) regarding the display of site speed limits, and it’s something important for everyone to understand.
The Issue: Confusion on Our Roads
Construction sites often have a specific speed limit that applies only to construction traffic. However, National Highways has received feedback indicating that drivers passing through temporary traffic management (TTM) areas are often confusing these works’ site speed limits with the TTM-related speed limits in place for all road users. This confusion is believed to stem from works’ site speed limit signs that visually resemble official traffic signs, specifically those based on Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions diagram 670.
The Clarification: Health and Safety vs. Traffic Signs
It’s crucial to understand that these works’ site signs are not designed as traffic signs; instead, they fall under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
The Solution: Words, Not Numerals!
To combat this confusion and align with established guidance (Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8, section U7.7.1), National Highways recommends a clear change: where works’ site speed limit signs are necessary, they should be designed using words only, not numerals. For example, instead of “9 mph,” the sign should read “nine mph”. This ensures that approaching traffic does not misinterpret them as messages, warnings, restrictions, or requirements for general road users.
Why This Matters to You
For anyone involved in or passing through construction sites, this new guidance is vital for maintaining safety and clarity on our roads. By implementing this change, we can help reduce potential driver confusion, leading to safer conditions for both construction personnel and the general public.
If you have any questions about this safety alert or other safety announcements, National Highways encourages you to reach out to them at chapter8@nationalhighways.co.uk.
Stay safe out there!
