Apply to switch off or modify permanent traffic signals

If you require a switch off or modification of traffic signal equipment, you will need to submit an application form.

The application process is changing from 30 March 2026, please select the correct application form based on when your works will take place.

A Road Space Booking Permit Number will be required for your application. If you do not have one, please apply via Street Manager.

Works on or before 30 March 2026

Use this option if your traffic signal switch off or modification will take place on or before 30 March 2026.

Before you apply, please read the terms and conditions, which include an estimated cost for your application.

For planned works, a seven-day notice period is required. The hours of operation for planned switch off/on requests are between 6am and 10pm.

Apply for works on or before 30 March 2026

Works after 30 March 2026

Use this option if your traffic signal switch off or modification will take place after 30 March 2026.

This service is managed by the Council’s Traffic Signal’s Contractor - Swarco UK and Ireland Ltd. Swarco will be responsible for turning the permanent traffic signals off and on, as well as covering the signal heads and push buttons associated with pedestrian facilities.

Before you apply, please read the terms and conditions, which include an estimated cost for your application.

For planned works, three to five days notice is required. The hours of operation for planned switch off/on requests are between 6am and 11pm Monday to Friday. A 24 hour service is available on weekends for planned works.

If your request is an emergency and required within the next 24 hours, please contact Swarco’s Service Desk on 0345 603 1433.

Please note an application form must still be submitted for emergency works.

If you need to amend your application, please contact Swarco directly:

• Email: switchouts@swarco.com
• Telephone: 0345 603 1433

Apply for works after 30 March 2026

Terms and conditions before 30 March 2026

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 applicant must notify the highway authority 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 a formally authorised application must be agreed by the highway authority via an application amendment. 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

• the approximate costs for attending a signal switch off is:
  • standard weekdays: 7.30am to 6.30pm - £550 per one off, on visit
  • out of hours: 6.30pm to 11pm and 6am to 7.30am, and weekends - £650 per one off, on visit
  • bank holidays - £750 per one off, on visit  
• the highway authority will recharge reasonable costs incurred, including where we 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

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)

The authority may consider applications by promoters to operate a system of general prior approval for the exceptional circumstances permitted by Direction 53(2).

Although placement of portable traffic signals for the following categories of work require formal authorisation, these applications will follow an agreed 'fast-track' process: 

• emergency
• urgent
• special cases of urgent and remedial dangerous

Full retrospective applications for formal authorisation for any fast-track applications must be received by the highway authority:

• within two hours of works starting, or
• by 10am the next working day if the works started out of hours (outside 8am to 4.30pm)

Apply for works on or before 30 March 2026

Terms and conditions after 30 March 2026

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