Traffic Management on Construction Sites: Chapter 8 Explained
If your construction work affects a public road — even temporarily — you need a traffic management plan. In the UK, this is governed by Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
What is Chapter 8?
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual provides guidance on traffic safety measures for roadworks and temporary situations. It covers sign placement, distances, coning layouts, and safety zones for works on roads from residential streets to motorways.
When Do You Need a TM Plan?
- Road closures or lane restrictions
- Footpath diversions
- Crane operations near roads
- Scaffold or hoarding on a public highway
- Utility works (trenching, connections)
- Any work affecting the public highway
Key Requirements
A compliant TM plan should include:
- Sign schedule — which signs are needed and where (referenced to TSRGD)
- Layout drawing — showing sign positions, taper lengths, safety zones
- Speed-dependent spacing — sign distances vary based on the road's speed limit
- Daily inspections — signs must be checked and maintained throughout the works
- Risk assessment — specific to the traffic management arrangement
Sign Spacing
Chapter 8 specifies minimum distances between advance warning signs based on the speed limit of the road. Higher speed roads need greater advance warning distances. Getting this wrong is one of the most common compliance failures.
Digital TM Plans
SiteLynx Traffic Management module auto-calculates sign spacing based on your road speed, generates sign schedules from the TSRGD library, and produces compliant PDF plans. Daily inspection records are built in, with photo evidence and sign-off.