Apply to switch off or modify permanent traffic signals

Important

• traffic management must be placed in accordance with Safety at Street Works and Road Works – A Code of Practice (the Red Book) and Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual
• temporary or portable traffic signals must be placed in accordance with the association for road traffic safety and management - guidance on the use of portable traffic signals
• promoters must comply with all conditions of approval, unless the highway  authority agrees specific variations with the promoter
• permanent traffic signals must not be modified, adapted or have alteration made in the controller by any third party at any time
• traffic management must not be sited without prior approval
• the promoter must notify Swarco of any changes as soon as possible and, at all times, within two hours via the contact details provided on the application approval
• any changes to an authorised application must be agreed with Swarco. A new application will be required for significant changes.
• temporary traffic management must not be removed until the permanent signals are switched back on
• should a works promoter be found to persistently not comply with the terms and conditions set, the highway authority reserves the right to prevent future applications from the organisations involved

Fees

Fees and charges apply per visit to switch off or on:

Please be aware Swarco will recharge reasonable costs incurred, including where they have attended site as a result of an application and the applicant has failed to attend or is late.

Liaison with other organisations

The promoter is responsible for initial arrangements with other affected organisations such as:

• affected residents and businesses
• public transport operators
• emergency services
• adjoining highway authorities
• traffic control centres

Application

An application must be submitted for all requests. If the request is an emergency, required within 24 hours, the Swarco service desk must be contacted on 0345 603 1433.

An application form must still be submitted for an emergency application. The application should be submitted to Swarco within two hours of works starting, or by 10am the next working day if the works are required out of hours.

Other

Relevant reference material is shown in:

• the Traffic Signals Regulations and General Directions 2016 (the TSRGD)
• Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 Part 2
• Safety at Street Works and Road Works - a Code of Practice (the Red Book)
• ARTSM Guidance on the use of portable traffic signals (Edition 1, 2023)

Apply for works on or before 30 March 2026