Traffic signs.

Section 64 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 defines a ‘traffic sign’ as any object or device fixed or portable and any line or mark on a road which convey warning information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions to traffic on the roads.

Under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981 the size, colour and type of sign are prescribed. Section 65 of the RTR Act gives Highway Authorities provision to erect such signs and section 67 authorises the police to place authorised signs on the highway and other places indicating prohibitions, restrictions, or requirements under certain conditions.

Those signs described in the Highway Code are the primary signs placed by highway authorities under the regulations and it is this document that details them and the meaning of each. The reader should be aware that signs are not just those placed at the side of the road on a pole, the white line painted on our road surfaces are part of the system to which these regulations apply and the detail of solid white lines, stop lines etc. will be of extreme importance to the fee earner and claims handler.

Traffic lights are covered by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1981 regulation 31 - 36 as follows:

Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 cover signs not specified by reg 7 RTOA 1984, police accident signs etc. are placed under the provisions as are traffic census signs. Sections 35/36 and 163 of the same Act gives police officers their powers to direct and control traffic. Section 169 provides the power for a police officer to require the name and address of a driver and regulation 10 permits the placing of a traffic triangle on the road by anyone.

Pedestrian crossings are covered by The Zebra Pedestrian Crossing Regulations 1971 with the following dealing with other aspects of the crossings:

Pelican Pedestrian Crossing Regulations and General Directions 1987 are supported by: