Chapter8highways - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of the Traffic signs Manual ( Traffic Safety Measures & Signs for Road Works & Temporary Situations ) was issued by the Department of Transport. It provides guidelines for companies operating on public highways on a range of issues - including High Visibility Markings. Section five (5.2 & 5.5 ) outlines what conspicuous markings are required on Vehicles that stop for work purposes or inspection purposes on all public highways.

In addition to the specifications regarding the colour of the vehicle, Chapter 8 also sets out the requirements for rear reflective markings on all vehicles stopping on high speed roads.

It affects any operator of large or small vehicles from HGV's to road mainenance trucks, small vans and cars that intentionally stop for work or inspection purposes on high speed roads.

There are, however generally speaking all vehicles must be marked up. Four marking options exist, but it is generally accepted that high visibility film markings maximise the benefits associated with being seen.

In addition, Maintenaince vehicles need to have a Highways Maintenance or Motorway Maintenance legend when they are working on motorways. These have to be of a certain size to comply with Chapter 8 Legislation. Also, in temporary traffic management situations, inspection, supervisory, maintenance and management vehicles require a Highway Maintenance sign that must be applied to the rear of the vehicle.

The high visibility film markings have to be on the rear of the vehicle. They should comprise of either of the following:

1. chevron markings comprising alternate strips of fluorescent red retro-reflective material and flourescent yellow non retro-reflective material of not less than 150mm width each, inclined at 45-60° to the horizontal and pointing upwards, or

2. A solid block of flourescent orange-red retro-reflective material.

The markings should cover as much of the rear facing portion of the vehicle as possible without obscuring the windows, the vehicle's lighting or it's registration plates.

Red retro-reflective tape should also be applied to all rear facing edges of doors, rails or equipment lockers.

Chapter8highways can offer you advice on Chapter 8 legislation. Please contact us for more details or if you need to discus the options available to you.

Telephone: 08700 777 777

e-mail: chapter8@signsrus.co.uk

This page is advisory only and relates to part of the Chapter 8 (General Vehicle) manual. To download a full copy of the chapter 8 manual, visit the Department of Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk