Text

THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND COMMUNICATIONS

ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PHASE 2 PROJECT
CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENGINEERING MANUALS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AS WELL AS PROVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Contract RDP/GN/S008
Traffic Signs Manual Volume 1
Client:
Ministry of Works, Housing & Communications
PO Box 10
ENTEBBE
July 2004
Lead Consultant: TRL Limited Crowthorne House Nine Mile Ride Wokingham Berkshire
RG40 3GA United Kingdom
Volume 2
Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3
Appendices
The Design of Text-based Traffic Signs
Layout of Traffic Signs and Markings in Typical Locations Sign Pages
Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Table of Contents
Volume 1
A.
FOREWORD ..........................................................................
....................................1
B.
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................
..................................2
B.1
Purpose ...........................................................................
...........................................2
B.2
Background ........................................................................
........................................2
B.3
Preliminaries .....................................................................
..........................................3
C. THE CONTENTS OF THE
MANUAL..........................................................................4
C.1
Overview...........................................................................
..........................................4
C.2 Reference
Numbers............................................................................
........................5
D. TRAFFIC
SIGNS .............................................................................
...........................6
D.1 General Purpose of Traffic
Signs .............................................................................
...6
D.2 Classification of Traffic
Signs .............................................................................
.........7
D.3 Traffic Sign
Sizes .............................................................................
...........................8
D.4 Siting and Mounting of Traffic
Signs............................................................................8
D.5 Warning
Signs .............................................................................
.............................13
D.6 Regulatory
Signs .............................................................................
.........................18
D.7 Guidance
Signs .............................................................................
...........................22
D.8 Information
Signs .............................................................................
.........................26
D.9 Supplementary
Plates.............................................................................
..................28
D.10 Sign Materials and
Manufacture .......................................................................
........30
D.11 Maintenance of Traffic
Signs..............................................................................
.......32
E. ROAD
MARKINGS...........................................................................
........................34
E.1 Purpose and Classification of Road
Markings...........................................................34
E.2 Longitudinal
Markings ..........................................................................
.....................35
E.3 Transverse
Markings ..........................................................................
......................37
E.4 Other
Markings ..........................................................................
...............................37
E.5 Marking
Materials .........................................................................
............................39
E.6 Reflective Road
Studs .............................................................................
.................40
F. TRAFFIC
SIGNALS............................................................................
......................41
F.1 Purpose and Classification of Traffic
Signals ............................................................41
F.2 Traffic
Signals ...........................................................................
................................42
F.3 Pedestrian
Signals ...........................................................................
.........................45
F.4 Traffic Signals at Railway
Crossings .........................................................................
46
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004
Tables
Table B.1 Table B.2 Table D.1 Table D.2 Table D.3 Table D.4 Table D.5 Table D.6
Table D.7 Table E.1 Table F.1 Table F.2
Figures
Figure C.1 Figure D.1 Figure D.2 Figure D.3 Figure D.4 Figure D.5 Figure F.1 Figure
F.2 Figure F.3
Traffic speed classes used in the
Manual................................................................... 3
Functional road
categories.........................................................................
................. 3 Basic traffic sign
sizes..............................................................................
................... 8 Visibility distance
requirements.......................................................................
............ 9 Siting and sizes of standard warning
signs................................................................. 13 Sizes of
standard regulatory
signs..............................................................................
18 Siting of advance direction
signs .............................................................................
... 22 Letter sizes for guidance
signs .............................................................................
...... 23 Lettering size on text-based supplementary
plates .................................................... 28 Spacing of
reflective road
studs .............................................................................
..... 40 Interpretation of traffic signals at
intersections ........................................................... 43
Interpretation of pedestrian
signals ...........................................................................
.. 45
Overview of the contents of the Traffic Signs
Manual ................................................ 4 Overview of traffic signs
...................................................................................
........... 7 Heights and
clearances ........................................................................
...................... 10 Alternative methods of mounting supplementary
plates ............................................. 11 Signs on a yellow backing
board .............................................................................
... 11 Angle of the sign
plate .............................................................................
................... 12 Standard design of
signals............................................................................
.............. 42 Alternative designs of pedestrian
signals ................................................................... 45
Standard design of traffic signals at railway
crossings ............................................... 46
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004
Traffic signs are all the signs, traffic signals, road markings, and other devices
used by the road authority to regulate, warn or guide traffic. They are essential
for the safe, smooth movement of road traffic. It is important to have a standard
set of signs and to use them in a consistent manner, so that the travellers can
become familiar with them.
The Traffic Ordinance of 1951 provides for the Director of Public Works to
determine what signs are to be used on the roads in Uganda, and to keep a pictorial
representation of the signs available for inspection by the public. No record
remains of this. Over the years road engineers have developed some standards, but,
because they have never been formalised and approved, they are not always followed
and their legality is in doubt.
In 2003 the Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications appointed consultants to
collaborate with the Ministry‟s engineers and the traffic police in devising a new
sign system for Uganda. Out of this came new Traffic Signs Regulations and this
Traffic Signs Manual.
The Traffic Signs Manual provides the technical guidance needed to ensure that the
new signs are designed and placed in a standard way. All road authorities must use
the new signs, and all road users must act on the instructions they give. With
everyone‟s co-operation the new signs can contribute significantly to smooth and
safe travel in Uganda.
John M. Nasasira
Minister of Works, Housing and Communications
A. FOREWORD
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 1
B. INTRODUCTION
B.1 PURPOSE
This Traffic Signs Manual contains technical advice on the use and design of
traffic signs in Uganda. It covers all kinds of signs, including road markings and
traffic signals. The Manual has been written primarily for road engineers who are
preparing signing schemes and designing guidance signs. It may also be helpful to
police officers and others who have to devise traffic management schemes. The
adoption of a uniform set of signs will be a big step forward, but there must also
be uniformity in their use and siting. The advice given in the Manual covers all
types of roads and traffic situations, and should be followed by everyone involved
in the signing of roads in Uganda. Nevertheless there will be many situations where
good engineering judgement is required. If further advice is needed, contact the
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications.
The Manual is made up of two volumes. Volume 1 (this document) describes the new
sign system, illustrates all the signs, and gives advice on sign manufacture and
maintenance. Volume 2 is a set of appendices covering the design of text-based
signs, the layout of signs at intersections and other typical locations, and
detailed information on the design and siting of every sign.
The Traffic and Road Safety (Traffic Signs) Regulations provide the legal basis for
the signs described in this Manual. Refer to the Regulations for the legal meaning
of each sign.
The Uganda Police have practical experience of managing the traffic problems on our
roads, and they are also responsible for enforcing the instructions given by the
regulatory signs. Their advice and support will often be helpful in ensuring that
new signs are as effective as possible.
B.2 BACKGROUND
The Manual presents a new standard collection of traffic signs, markings and
signals for Uganda. Account was taken of signing practices in the region, primarily
Kenya and the SADC countries, as well as the need for the signs to conform to the
provisions of the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals (the Vienna
Convention).
This Manual contains advice on the design and use of traffic signs in view of the
present road traffic situation in Uganda. The Manual will have to be amended and
revised as the road traffic system changes and develops and the knowledge and
experience of signing in Uganda increases. Examples of changes that will lead to a
need to further development of the Manual are:
Introduction of a road numbering system
Introduction of a road classification system
Introduction of freeways and grade separated interchanges.
Traffic speed is a key factor in determining sign size and siting. By “traffic
speed” is meant the 85th percentile speed of motor vehicle traffic, i.e., the speed
which only 15% of vehicles exceed. Ideally this should be determined from a speeds
survey, but, with practice, engineers should be able to estimate it well enough
from observing the traffic. Note that “traffic speed” is not the same as the
“design speed” of the road, or the “signed speed limit”.
In the Manual the sign sizes are based on the following traffic speed classes.
B.3 PRELIMINARIES B.3.1 Traffic Speed
Traffic speed
Typical roads
Up to and including 50 km/h
Over 50 km/h and up to and including 80 km/h Over 80 km/h
Most urban roads and rural roads of local character Major urban roads and most
rural roads High-speed rural roads
Table B.1 Traffic speed classes used in the Manual
B.3.2 Functional Road Classification
The colour coding and design of guidance traffic signs are based on the road
function.
For the purposes of traffic signing, the rural road network is classified into the
following four categories:
Road category
Function
Category A - Primary roads Category B - Secondary roads Category C - Tertiary
roads Category D - Feeder roads
Principal arterial system Minor arterial system Collectors
Local road system
Table B.2
Functional road categories
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1
July 2004
Page 3

C. THE CONTENTS OF THE MANUAL C.1 OVERVIEW
In the Traffic and Road Safety Act, section 2 Interpretation, it is stated that:
“traffic sign” means any object or device (whether fixed or portable) for conveying
to traffic, warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions of
any description specified by the Minister by regulation and any line or mark on a
road for so conveying such warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or
prohibitions;
Consequently ”traffic signs” legally include not only signs on posts, but also road
markings, traffic signals and other traffic control devices. However, this Manual
is limited to signs on posts (generally and in this Manual called “traffic signs”),
road markings and traffic signals.
For each sign, marking and signal the manual describes:
when to use it
what its layout or design should be what size it should be
where it should be placed
The Manual covers three main classes of traffic control devices, each of which
consists of sub classes according to the figure below.
Traffic Signs
Warning Signs
Regulatory Signs
Guidance Signs
Information Signs
Supplementary Plates
Road Markings
Longitudinal Markings
Transverse Markings
Other Markings
Road Studs
Traffic Signals
Intersections
Pedestrian crossings
Railway Crossings
Figure C.1 Overview of the contents of the Traffic
Signs Manual
Each sign is given a reference number. The reference number system has been chosen
to make it possible to give new signs reference numbers corresponding to the
appropriate group of signs. The reference number consists of a letter (or two) and
a two digit number and, for some signs, a third digit.
Example: W01.1
The letter indicates the main group:
W Warning signs
R Regulatory signs
G Guidance signs
I Information signs
S Supplementary plates M Road markings
TS Traffic signals
The two digit numbers refer to the specific sign. Subgroups of signs have
consecutive numbers. For example:
W 01-15 are signs warning for the changes in the road layout
W 21-34 are signs warning for the roadway and roadside hazards
The third digit, if any, indicates a variation of the main sign. For warning signs,
regulatory signs and road markings 1 generally indicates “Left” and 2 indicates
“Right”. For example:
W 01.1 is a warning sign for sharp curves to the left W 01.2 is a warning sign for
sharp curves to the right
M 42.1 is a lane arrow for a left turn lane M 42.2 is a lane arrow for a right turn
lane
For guidance signs 1 refers to the sign for primary roads and 2 refers to signs for
secondary and local roads. For example:
G 05.1 is a lane pre-selection sign on primary roads
G 05.2 is a lane pre-selection sign on secondary and local roads
For some signs, e.g. supplementary plates, the third digit has another meaning.
C.2 REFERENCE NUMBERS
D. TRAFFIC SIGNS
D.1 GENERAL PURPOSE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS
Clear and efficient signing is an essential part of the road system, and a road
with poor signing or with badly maintained signs is not functioning well. Road
users depend on signing for information and guidance, and road authorities depend
on signing for traffic control and regulation, and for road safety.
The key requirements for each traffic sign are that it should:
meet a need
command attention
be legible
convey a simple, clear meaning at a glance
be placed so as to give road users time to respond command respect.
Signs must only be used where there is a clear need for them. The incorrect or
unnecessary use of a sign annoys drivers, and when this happens frequently drivers
lose respect for the sign, and it becomes ineffective in situations where it is
really needed. For the same reason, avoid using signs which impose a restriction
which will be very unpopular and difficult to enforce. Drivers will stop taking
signs seriously when they see others ignoring them without being caught.
Using standard signs assists in their quick recognition, as does uniformity of
shape, colour and lettering for each type. To obtain the full benefits of
standardisation, the signs must be used in a consistent manner.
It is important that the message be presented in a simple way. The new signs make a
great use of pictorial symbols, as these are much more effective than words, and
can be understood by those who cannot read. Signs with words are used only where
there is no alternative.
Signs must have sufficient impact to be noticed by drivers. This has been taken
into account in the design of the signs, but the size and siting of the sign are
also relevant. For most signs there are several permitted sizes, and it is largely
the speed of the traffic at the site that deter- mines which size is appropriate.
The symbols and legends on signs must be easy to read. This has influenced the
design of the symbols, lettering, letter spacing, colours, etc., but size is again
of most importance, as drivers who are travelling fast need to be able to recognise
a sign from a long distance away. This means that the symbols and lettering need to
be large enough to enable drivers to recognise them at the required distance.
Traffic signs must be visible at night. They must be reflectorised so that they
show up clearly in vehicle headlights.
Traffic signs should be constructed and erected so that they will last for many
years without any attention apart from regular cleaning.

D.2 CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS
The main functions of traffic signs are to warn, regulate, guide and inform. There
is a group of signs for each of these functions, and the signs in each group have a
special shape and colour to help drivers recognise them quickly. Two very important
signs, the “Stop” and “Give Way” signs, have their own unique shapes.
Where there is a need to qualify or expand the message on the main sign the
additional information is contained on a supplementary plate. The five main groups
of traffic signs are:
Warning Signs Regulatory Signs Guidance Signs Information Signs Supplementary
Plates
- warning drivers of dangers or difficulties on the road ahead - telling drivers
what they must do or must not do
- helping drivers to find the way to their destination
- helping drivers find services and places of interest
- giving supplementary information to the main sign Each of these groups can be
divided into sub groups according to the chart below.
Warning
Warning signs
Standard warning signs
Hazard marker signs
Temporary warning signs
Regulation
Guidance
Guidance signs
Advance direction signs
Direction signs
Confirmatory signs
Place identification signs
Temporary guidance signs
Text information
Information
Information signs
Road and traffic
Services facilities and places of interest
Tourist attractions
Prohibitory signs
Vehicle categories
Vehicle dimensions and weight
Vehicle movements and use
End of restriction
Distances and directions
Figure D.1
Mandatory signs
Priority and give way
Travelling directions
Reserved routes
Supplementary plates
Vehicle categories
Overview of traffic signs
July 2004
Page 7
Most warning signs are triangular and most regulatory signs are circular. The sign
sizes to be used for different speed classes are shown in the table below.
D.3 TRAFFIC SIGN SIZES
Size of triangular signs
Size of circular signs
Traffic speed
≤ 50 km/h
>50 km/h and ≤ 80 km/h
> 80 km/h
Table D.1
D.4 SITING AND MOUNTING OF TRAFFIC SIGNS D.4.1 Introduction
Side length (mm)
Diameter (mm)
600
750
900
720
900
1100
Basic traffic sign sizes
The way signs are arranged and positioned is very important for
their effectiveness. There are four things to consider:
whether the sign will be mounted with other signs, or with a backing board
its position in relation to the edge of the carriageway
the height of the sign plate and its angle to the road
where it is to be sited in relation to the intersection, hazard, etc., to which it
refers.
General advice on sign mounting and positioning is given below. Where there are
special requirements for a specific sign, these are referred to on the sign page in
Appendix 3 (Volume 2). The recommendations should be used as a guide, because the
precise positioning can only be determined on site. There are often limitations on
where signs can be placed, especially in urban areas. Always check that:
the signs are clearly visible from the appropriate distance
there is no confusion about which road the sign refers to
the signs do not obstruct the view of drivers
the signs are not placed where they could be struck by vehicles.
If necessary, alter the siting or mounting to overcome the problem.
D.4.2 Siting
Signs should generally be sited on the left-hand side of the road. However, at
sharp left-hand bends it may be better to put the sign on the right-hand side of
the road where it will be more noticeable. On dual carriageway roads warning and
regulatory signs are normally installed in pairs – one on the left-hand side and
another on the median. Speed limit signs are always put on both sides of the road,
for maximum impact.
Most warning signs, and some guidance signs, have to be sited in advance of the
hazard or intersection to which they relate. The distance depends on the traffic
speed at the site. Guidance on siting distances is given in the section of the
Manual on each sign group. It is important to be consistent, so that drivers will
become familiar with the rate at which they have to slow down. When signs have to
be sited far away from their standard position, a supplementary plate may be used
to give the distance to the intersection or hazard. It is better to increase the
distance between a sign and the intersection or hazard to which it relates, rather
than decrease it.
Regulatory signs are normally sited at or near the point where the instruction
applies. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no confusion about which road
they refer to.
Signs are designed to be read from a specific distance, so the sign must be sited
where it can be seen from this distance. The visibility distances are set out in
the table below.
Up to and including 50 km/h 50 Over 50 km/h and up to and including 80 km/h 150
Over 80 km/h 200
Table D.2 Visibility distance requirements
Where two traffic signs are needed, such as on the approach to a sharp bend leading
onto a narrow bridge, the sign for the nearest hazard should be seen first. The
second sign should be placed at least 0.6v beyond the first sign (where v is the
traffic speed in km/h) to prevent it being obscured by the first sign. The minimum
separation should be 30 metres. Where this is difficult to achieve consider
mounting the two signs on the same pole.
D.4.3 Mounting D.4.3.1 Mounting Height
Signs should normally be mounted so that the lower edge of the primary sign plate
is 1.8 metres above the highest point of the carriageway. Mounting the sign at this
height helps to discourage vandalism and theft. Where the sign is mounted over or
alongside a footway (or footpath) the lowest edge should be 2.1 metres above
footway level. Some signs are used at non-standard mounting heights and where this
is the case it will be specified on the sign page in Appendix 3 (Volume 2). Signs
should never be mounted less than 1 metre above carriageway level, as below this
level they will get too dirty from rain splash and vehicle spray.
Traffic speed (km/h)
Visibility distance to the sign (m)

Mounting height for overhead signs and signals on gantries and mast arms should be
5.2 metres, measured from the bottom edge of the sign to the carriageway. This
allows for the possibility that the carriageway level might rise when the road is
resurfaced. Road authorities should ensure that there is always 5.0 metres
clearance between overhead structures and the carriageway.
B
D
A H
D Shoulder
G
No shoulder
C
E Footway
A B C D E F G H
C
CA
Kerb
F D
Kerb
600 1000 2500 1000 1500 2500
300 600
1000 1800 2500 2100 2100 2500 5000 5200
Minimum (mm)
Desirable (mm)
Maximum (mm)
750
5000
Signs must be set back from the road to reduce the risk of them being hit by
passing vehicles. On unkerbed roads the nearest edge of a sign should be at least
600mm clear of the road shoulder and should not be less than 1 metre from the edge
of the traffic lane, see Figure D.2. On kerbed roads the edge of the sign should be
not less than 300mm from the kerb face. Signs on traffic islands are especially
vulnerable to being hit, and a small-size sign may have to be used to achieve the
necessary clearance. Avoid siting signs at places where vehicles park on the
shoulder.
Figure D.2
D.4.3.2 Clearance from the Edge of the Road
Heights and clearances
D.4.3.3 Multiple Signs

Two signs can be mounted on the same sign pole. When two warning signs are mounted
together the sign at the top should refer to the nearest of the two hazards. When
two rectan- gular signs are being mounted on the same poles it looks neater if the
two signs are made the same width.
D.4.3.4 Supplementary Plates
These plates are mounted beneath the primary sign to which they refer and there is
normally a gap of 75mm between them. Supplementary plates are more easily
vandalised than larger signs. One solution, though more costly, is to combine the
supplementary plate with the primary sign on the same sign plate or backing board.
Figure D.3 Alternative methods of mounting supplementary plates D.4.3.5 Backing
Boards
Signs can sometimes be difficult to see against the background. Where this is a
problem the sign can be mounted on grey or yellow backing boards. Yellow backing
boards can be very effective, especially if the yellow is fluorescent, but they
should only be used for important signs in difficult-to-see situations. If yellow
backing boards are very widely used people will stop noticing them. An alternative
way of making a sign more noticeable is to increase its size.
0.05H H
0.05H
0.1 Dia. Diameter
0.1 Dia.
0.05H
0.1 Dia.
Figure D.4
Signs on a yellow backing board
Traffic signal heads should be fitted with black backing boards to make them more
visible.
Sign plates are normally mounted so that they face the driver. The plate should be
angled slightly away from the road to avoid mirror reflection when illuminated by
vehicle headlights. To obtain a 95° the sign should be angled 90mm per metre sign
width. Signs on curves should be at right angles to the driver‟s line of sight,
measured from when the driver is about 100 metres from the sign.
95o
Figure D.5 Angle of the sign plate
Signs should normally be installed vertically, but on steep hills signs can be
tilted forward (or back) from the vertical to improve the viewing angle. Overhead
signs are usually tilted back about 30 to reduce glare from the vehicle headlights.
D.4.3.6 Angle of the Sign Plate
Warning signs are used to alert drivers to danger or potential danger ahead. They
indicate a need for extra caution by road users and may require a reduction in
speed or other manoeuvre. This section contains an overview of all warning signs.
Advice on when to use each sign is given in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
Adequate warning signs can greatly assist road safety. To be most effective
however, they should be used sparingly. Their frequent use to warn of conditions
which are otherwise readily apparent tends to detract from their effectiveness.
Do not use warning signs in situations where the problem is obvious, or is so minor
that no extra care is necessary. If they are over-used, drivers will lose respect
for them. This is particularly true when specifying signs for urban roads. Side
road intersections for example are not usually a danger when traffic speeds are
low.
Most warning signs are triangular in shape with a red border encompassing a black
symbol on a white background. The black symbol represents the hazard. Sometimes
additional information is put on a supplementary plate below the main sign.
D.5.2 Siting and Sizes
Drivers must be able to see the sign in time to read the message. The distance
varies with the traffic speed – refer to Table D.2. Warning signs are placed at the
left-hand side of the road.
It takes time for a driver to act on the message given by a sign and slow the
vehicle down to a safe speed. Therefore signs must be sited sufficiently far ahead
of the hazard to allow for this. Signs must also be large enough to be read clearly
by drivers travelling at above average speeds. Table D.3 gives the siting distances
and sizes of standard warning signs for different traffic speeds. If it is
necessary to site the sign away from the standard position, the distance to the
hazard should be indicated on a supplementary plate.
D.5 WARNING SIGNS D.5.1 Purpose and Use
Normal distance of
Sign size
Traffic speed
sign from hazard (m)
Side length (mm)
50 720 100 900 150 1100
Table D.3 Siting and sizes of standard warning signs
Some warning signs, hazard marker signs and temporary warning signs are sized and
sited differently. The necessary information is given in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
The schedule contains the name, reference number and a small picture of each sign.
The detailed design and use of each sign is described in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
D.5.3.1 Standard Warning Signs
Road Layout
W01 Sharp curve W02
Temporary
W03 Combined curves W04
Temporary
W05 Side road W06
Temporary
W07 Y-intersection W08
Temporary
W09 Roundabout W10
Temporary
W11 Road narrows on both sides W12
Hairpin curve
Crossroad
T-intersection
Staggered intersection
Traffic signal
Road narrows one side
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
D.5.3 Schedule of Warning Signs
W13 Dual carriageway ends

W15 Two-way traffic
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
W14 Dual carriageway ahead
July 2004
Page 14
W21 Other danger

W23 Uneven road
W25 Drift
W27 Loose gravel
W29 Falling rocks
W31 Steep ascent
W33 Low flying aircraft
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
W22 Height restriction
W24 Hump
W26 Narrow bridge
W28 Slippery road
W30 Steep descent
W32 Quay or river bank
W34 Crosswinds
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Roadway and roadside hazards
Other vehicles, road users and animals

W41 Railway crossing with gate or barrier
W42 Railway crossing without gate or barrier
W43 Pedestrian crossing
Temporary
Temporary
W44 Pedestrians in the road
Temporary
Temporary
July 2004
Page 15
W45 Children in the road

W47 Agricultural vehicles
W49 Wild animals
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
W46 Cyclists in the road
W48 Domestic animals
Temporary
Temporary
D.5.3.2 Hazard Marker Signs
W61 Long chevron
W63 T-intersection chevron
W65 Roadway hazard plate
No temporary version
W62 Short chevron
W64 Roadside hazard plate
W66 Delineators
W67 Railway crossing, one line
W68 Railway crossing, more than one line
W69 Distance indicators
July 2004
Page 16
D.5.3.3 Temporary Warning Signs

W81 Roadworks
Temporary sign only
W83 Cross-over to opposing roadway
Temporary sign only
W85 Traffic control ahead
Temporary sign only
W82 Lane closed
Temporary sign only
W84 Barricade (no entry)
Temporary sign only
July 2004
Page 17
   
Regulatory signs are the means of putting into practical effect the regulation or
control of traffic. For example, they may impose restrictions on speed or on the
turning of traffic at an intersection.
Regulatory signs are either prohibitory or mandatory.
The prohibitory signs give instructions to drivers about what they must not do.
Speed limit signs and signs for parking restrictions are some examples. Most
prohibitory signs are circular with a red border and have a black symbol on a white
background.
The mandatory signs give instructions to drivers about what they must do. Most
mandatory signs are circular with a white symbol and border on a blue background.
Regulatory signs must only be used where it is considered essential that traffic be
controlled for safety reasons or for efficient use of the road system. Drivers will
take more notice of them if they can see why they are needed.
Regulatory signs are normally sited at or near the point where the instruction
applies. It is important to make sure that there is no confusion about which road
they refer to. Drivers must be able to see the sign in time to read the message and
act on it. The distance varies with the traffic speed – refer to Table D.2.
Regulatory signs are placed at the left-hand side of the road, but a second sign on
the right-hand side may be used where extra emphasis is needed - for example on
dual carriageways. Table D.4 gives the sizes for standard regulatory signs at
different traffic speeds.
Low speed areas where space is limited 400
Up to and including 50 km/h 600 Over 50 km/h and up to and including 80 km/h 750
Over 80 km/h 900
Table D.4 Sizes of standard regulatory signs
Some priority signs are sized differently. The necessary information is given in
Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
D.6.3 Schedule of Regulatory Signs
D.6 REGULATORY SIGNS D.6.1 Purpose and Use
Traffic speed
Diameter of sign (mm)
D.6.3.1 Prohibitory Signs

Restricted vehicle categories
R01 No entry for any vehicle
R03 No entry for motor vehicles except motorcycles
Temporary R05 No entry for buses and coaches
Temporary
R07 No entry for tractors or slow-moving vehicles
R02 No entry for motor vehicles
R04 No entry for trucks
R06 No entry for motorcycles
R08 No entry for cycles
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
R09 No entry for pedestrians
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary R10 No entry for animal-drawn vehicles
Restricted vehicle dimensions and weight
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
R21 Length limit
R23 Width limit
R25 Axle weight limit
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
R22 Height limit
R24 Gross weight limit
July 2004
Page 19
Restricted vehicle movements and use

R42 No U Turn
Temporary R44 No overtaking by goods vehicles
R41 No Left/Right Turn
R43 No overtaking
R45 No use of horn
R47 No Parking
R49 Speed limit
End of restrictions
R51 End of restriction
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
Temporary
R46 Compulsory stop
R48 No Stopping
Temporary
Temporary
D.6.3.2
Mandatory Signs
R52 End of speed limit
R62 Give Way
Temporary
Priority and give way
R61 Stop
R63 Temporary traffic control - STOP
Temporary sign only
R64 Temporary traffic control - GO
Temporary sign only
July 2004
Page 20
R65 Give way to oncoming vehicles

R72 Turn Left / Right
R74 Ahead or Turn Left / Right
Travelling directions
R71 Ahead Only
R73 Turn Left / Right Ahead
R75 Pass Left / Right Side Only
R76 Pass Either Side
R77 Roundabout
Reserved routes
R81 Route for Buses Only
R82 Route for Cycles Only
R83 Route for Pedestrians only
July 2004
Page 21
D.7 GUIDANCE SIGNS D.7.1 Purpose and Use

Guidance signs give road users information on how to find their way to their
destination. They also help to reduce delay and keep traffic flowing smoothly and
safely through intersections. It is important that the signing is consistent along
the route. Once a destination appears on a guidance sign it must appear on all
subsequent guidance signs until that place is reached.
Guidance signs belong to one of three major groups:
Advance Direction Signs give route information ahead of intersections. There are
three alternative layouts for advance direction signs:
Map-type – that shows a map of the intersection
Stack-type - that lists the destinations alongside direction arrows
Lane pre-selection sign - that indicate the lane to use to get to each destination.
Map-type signs are generally larger than stack-type, and thus more expensive, but
they give drivers a better understanding of how the intersection is laid out. They
should always be used where there is a roundabout or where the intersection layout
is in any way complex. Stack- type signs should only be used at simple
intersections, and should not indicate more than three directions.
Small-sized warning signs and regulatory signs, e.g. height and weight
restrictions, may be incorporated into advance direction signs and direction signs
if the information will be essential in deciding which route to take.
Direction Signs give route information at intersections Confirmatory Signs confirm
the destinations on the route ahead Place Identification Signs give place names.
D.7.2 Siting
Drivers must be able to see the sign in time to read the message. The distance
varies with the traffic speed – refer to Table D.2.
Advance Direction signs should be sited as shown in Table D.5.
Table D.5 Siting of advance direction signs
50 100 150
Traffic speed
Direction signs are placed at the intersection and point along the route shown on
the sign. Confirmatory signs are usually sited 100-150 metres beyond the
intersection. Between
intersections, signs should be sited at intervals of no more than 20 kilometres.
Distance of sign from intersection (m)

Place Identification signs are sited at the place named on the sign. At trading
centres and towns they are sited at the edge of the built-up area.
D.7.3 Sizes and Design Principles
There are no standard sizes for guidance signs. The size of the sign is determined
by the amount of information needed and the size of the lettering to be used on the
sign.
The lettering sizes are set out in the table below. Once the lettering size has
been chosen, the design should proceed according to the layout rules set out in
Appendix 1 (Volume 2).
Capital letter height (mm)
x-height 1) (mm)
Traffic speed
100 140 150 210 200 280
1) x-height = the height of the letter “x” in lower case
Table D.6 Letter sizes for guidance signs
No more than four destinations are permitted on one sign. No more than two
destinations are permitted for any one direction, except on Confirmatory signs.
Where two or more destinations are shown for one direction the nearest destination
will be at the top.
Guidance signs may include important destinations that can be reached indirectly by
following one of the roads that is being signed.
Guidance signs are colour coded to help drivers differentiate between primary roads
and other roads. Signs referring to primary roads have white lettering on a green
background, and all others will have black lettering on a white background. Where a
sign refers to both primary roads and other roads it will have white lettering on a
green background throughout.
D.7.4 Schedule of Guidance Signs
The detailed design of text-based signs like these is covered in Appendix 1 (Volume
2). Appendix 2 shows the layout of Guidance Signs at typical intersections.
Appendix 3 gives detailed advice on the design and use of each sign.
Advance direction signs

G01.1 Map-type advance direction sign - roundabout - Primary roads.
G02.1 Map-type advance direction sign - crossroad - Primary roads.
G03.1 Map-type advance direction sign – T-intersection - Primary roads.
G04.1 Stack-type advance direction sign - Primary roads.
G05.1 Lane pre-selection sign - Primary roads.
Direction signs
G11.1 Direction sign - Primary roads
G01.2
G02.2
G03.2
G04.2
G05.2
G11.2
Map-type advance direction sign - roundabout – Other roads.
Map-type advance direction sign - crossroad – Other roads.
Map-type advance direction sign – T-intersection – Other roads.
Stack-type advance direction sign - Other roads.
Lane pre-selection sign - Other roads.
Direction sign - Other roads
  
  




    
 

   

   
   
   
July 2004
Page 24
Confirmatory signs
G21.1 Confirmatory sign - Primary roads
Place identification signs
G22.1 Place identification sign, entry
 No temporary version
Temporary guidance signs
G31 Diversion ahead
Temporary sign only
G21.2
G22.2
G32
Confirmatory sign - Other roads
Place identification sign, exit
     

Diverted traffic

Temporary sign only
July 2004
Page 25

D.8 INFORMATION SIGNS
D.8.1 Purpose and Use
Information signs serve one of several purposes:
To mark special facilities or restrictions
To give information about services and facilities ahead, such as parking places,
lay- bys, picnic areas, telephones, etc.
Information signs for service facilities may have an additional panel showing
direction (by means of an arrow) or distance. Such panels shall have a blue
background, white border and white arrow or text.
The siting and sizes are described individually for each sign in Appendix 3 (Volume
2).
D.8.3 Schedule of Information Signs
Road and traffic
I01 Pedestrian crossing
I03 No through road
I05 Bus stop
I07 One Way Road
I09 Start of extra lane
I02 Hump
No temporary No temporary version version
I04 Parking
No temporary No temporary version version
I06 Priority over oncoming vehicles
I08 Police control
I10 End of extra lane
July 2004
Page 26

Service facilities and places of interest
I21 Hospital

I23 Telephone
I25 Filling station
I27 Refreshments
I29 Hotel
I31 Camp site
Tourist attractions
I51 Tourist attraction
 
I22
I24
I26
I28
I30
I32
First aid
Information
Workshop
Restaurant
Rest area
Airport
Example
Tourist attraction – Woodland
July 2004
Page 27
2 km

D.9 SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES
D.9.1 Purpose and Use of Supplementary Plates
Supplementary plates give additional information or clarify the message given by
the main signs. They are mostly used with regulatory or warning signs, and never
used on their own.
Supplementary plates are normally mounted below the primary sign leaving a gap of
75mm between them. However, they can also be combined on a grey backing board (see
Figure D.3).
There are three main groups of supplementary plates:
The first group shows distances and directions to e.g. a hazard or a regulation
The second group shows which vehicle category the message on the main sign applies
to The third group gives additional text information to the message on the main
sign.
D.9.2 Sizes and Design Principles D.9.2.1 Text-based Supplementary Plates
Text-based supplementary plates are designed according to the same principles as
guidance signs. The text shall be in lower case with initial capitals. The normal
lettering sizes are set out in the table below.
Traffic speed
x-height (mm)1)
Capital letter height (mm)
50 70 75 105 90 126
1) x-height = the height of the letter “x” in lower case
Table D.7 Lettering size on text-based supplementary plates
The letter heights prescribed in Table D7 are for signs that need to be read from a
moving vehicle. Smaller sizes may be used on signs that are read from a stationary
position (such as those giving details of parking restrictions) but the x-height
should not be less than 20mm. The size of the supplementary plate may be adjusted
to improve the appearance of the sign assembly. Avoid having supplementary plates
which are wider than the main sign.

D.9.3 Schedule of Supplementary Plates
Distances and direction
S01 Distance to hazard or regulation
Temporary S03 Direction in which message applies
Temporary
Vehicle categories
S11 Vehicle category for which message applies – bus
Temporary
S13 Vehicle category for which message applies – car
S02
Extension of hazard or regulation Temporary
Vehicle category for which message applies – truck
Temporary
Vehicle category for which message applies – motorcycle
Temporary
Variable text message – two lines
Text information
S21.1 Variable text message – one line
Temporary
S12
S14
S21.2
 
 

Temporary S21.3 Variable text message – three lines
  

Temporary
Temporary
  
  
  

July 2004
Page 29

D.10 SIGN MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE D.10.1 Sign Standards
Section 5400 of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Communication‟s General
Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under preparation) sets out detailed
standards for the manufacture and installation of traffic signs alongside and over
the carriageway. Strict adherence to these standards will ensure that the signs are
of good quality and will have an acceptable working life. This section of the
Traffic Signs Manual contains general advice on sign materials and manufacture, but
in all cases the General Specifications take precedence. The components of a
traffic sign are:
sign face
sign plate
sign support frame sign post
D.10.2 Sign Face Materials
It is recommended that all traffic signs, permanent and temporary, be fully
reflectorised by making the sign face from retroreflective sheeting. This is a
special type of reflective material that reflects light back to the light source,
which in this case is the vehicle headlight. For simplicity the sheeting will be
referred to hereafter as reflective sheeting. All parts of the sign face except
those coloured black must be made of reflective sheeting, so that the sign looks
the same in both day and night.
There are various grades of reflective sheeting available, each providing different
levels of retroreflectivity when viewed under standard conditions. There are big
differences in price. The General Specifications require that High Intensity Grade
be used, and this is defined by reference to standards used in the United States.
The contractor must submit sign specifications, test certificates, and
warranties, as required in the General Specifications. The warranty must say that,
if the retroreflective performance of the sign falls below a specified minimum
during the warranty period, the sheeting manufacturer will replace the sign or
restore it to its original performance. This is the best way of ensuring that the
signs will be of proper quality.
Coloured areas should preferably be made from sheeting of the appropriate colour or
by applying coloured overlay film onto white sheeting. The use of inks or paints is
not recommended, as this gives inferior performance. Symbols or letters coloured
black shall preferably be made from black non-reflective overlay film. Film and
sheeting shall come from the same manufacturer and be applied in accordance with
their instructions.
It is important to use standard colours on traffic signs, though the small
variations that occur between sheeting from different manufacturers are
permissible. The colours of the sheeting shall conform to the colour specification
limits (chromaticity co-ordinates) set out in ASTM D4956.
D.10.3 Sign Plate
Aluminium alloy sheet is the preferred material, because of its resistance to
corrosion. However, it is expensive. Cheaper alternatives are galvanised steel,
plastic-coated steel, or

steel treated with primer. The cleaning and preparation of steel plates needs to be
of a very high standard, but even then there will always be a risk that the plate
will corrode around the bolt holes or places where the coating has been damaged.
With all materials, proper cleaning and degreasing is essential to ensure good
adhesion of the sheeting. The back of the sign plate shall be painted grey, and the
sign manufacturer‟s name and the date of manufacture shall be permanently marked on
it.
D.10.4 Sign Support Frame and Fastenings
All sign plates, with the exception of very small ones, need to be stiffened so as
to prevent them from being deformed by wind pressure, minor collisions, or attack
by vandals. This is normally done by riveting the sign plate to a back support
frame made of angle iron or aluminium sections. It is essential that all frames,
brackets, clips, rivets, nuts, bolts and washers be corrosion-proofed if not made
of aluminium or stainless steel. The frames and brackets shall then be painted
grey. The method of fixing to the post shall be as shown on the scheme drawings or
be as approved by the engineer in charge of the scheme.
D.10.5 Sign Post
Sign posts will normally be made of galvanised steel tube set in concrete
foundations.
D.10.6 Checklist of Sign Supply Requirements
It is recommended that contractors be asked to provide the following information
and items before manufacturing and supplying signs:
name of sign manufacturer and sheeting manufacturer
retroreflective performance of the sheeting, as determined by a reputable
laboratory letter of warranty, endorsed by the sheeting manufacturer, specifying
the minimum retroreflective performance at the end of the warranty period (the
warranty should be specific to the contract)
a sample of the reflective sheeting for each colour and grade to be used
a sample sign
details of the sign plate stiffening and fastenings (unless included in the
drawings)
a written declaration that the signs to be supplied will meet all the requirements
of the specifications.

D.11 MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS D.11.1 General
A high standard of maintenance of signs, signals and road markings is essential if
they are to fulfil their purpose. It is a waste of money to provide signs and then
to allow them to lose their effectiveness by subsequent deterioration. Signs that
use High Intensity Grade sheeting and are well-made should perform acceptably for
at least 7 years.
All signs and markings should be inspected at regular intervals both by day and
night. They should be renewed as necessary. Signs become less effective not only
when characters or colouring deteriorate, but also when dirty or damaged, or
displaced as a result of accidents or vandalism. Damaged or dirty signs lessen road
users‟ respect for the signs. Regular cleaning of all signs is essential.
It is not possible to recommend suitable renewal intervals for markings as these
will depend very much on the type of line, the material comprising the marking and
on the road traffic conditions. Nevertheless a carriageway marking maintenance
programme should be adopted to keep the road markings under constant review to
ensure that the markings are maintained to a high state of effectiveness at all
times, particularly on heavily trafficked roads.
Markings should be renewed or re-laid when they have been removed or damaged by
roadworks. New surfaces should preferably be allowed to settle and harden up for
a few weeks before applying markings. Arrangements should be made to protect road
studs during surface dressing operations.
D.11.2 Maintenance Regime D.11.2.1 Record Keeping and Inspection
The key to good maintenance is proper record-keeping and regular inspection. An
inventory of markings, signs, and other road furniture is helpful. In addition to a
description of the item and its location, it can usefully include installation and
inspection dates, and repair details. The inventory number should be painted on the
back of the sign plate.
Inspections should be made at least twice a year, preferably after routine cleaning
has been done. The things to look for are:
signs that are missing or in the wrong location signs that are pointing the wrong
way or are tilting signs that are hidden by trees or bushes
posts that are loose in their foundations
sign plates that are loose
corrosion of sign plates and posts
accident or other damage
flaking or faded sign faces and painted surfaces poorly reflecting sign faces (best
checked at night) worn or faded road markings.
Keep good records of the faults that are found and the action taken.
Signs should be cleaned at least twice a year, and priority should be given to low-
mounted signs. Cut back any long grass, bushes or tree branches which hide the sign
face. Use water and a mild detergent to wash the sign and take care not to scratch
the surface. Rinse the sign in clean water to remove all traces of detergent. Road
tar can be cleaned off with petrol or white spirit, but be careful not to dissolve
the paint, and rinse well afterwards.
D.11.2.3 Repairs
Minor repairs and repainting can be done on-site. Repainting should only be done in
dry weather and after proper preparation of the surface. Do not apply paint to
reflective sheeting, because this will make it non-reflective. Similarly, do not
use ordinary road paint on reflectorised road markings.
D.11.2.4 Storage and Transport of Signs
Signs are expensive. Always store them where they cannot be damaged. Stack them
vertically, if possible, and put sheets of cardboard or thick paper between them to
prevent the sign faces from getting scratched. Take care when loading signs on and
off trucks, and do not allow them to bounce around while being transported.
D.11.2.2 Cleaning
E. ROAD MARKINGS
E.1 PURPOSE AND CLASSIFICATION OF ROAD MARKINGS
The purpose of road markings is to control, warn, or guide road users. They may be
used to supplement other traffic signs or they may be used alone. Their major
advantage is that they can give a continuing message to the driver. Thus they can
be used to guide drivers in the correct positioning of their vehicles so that the
traffic flows smoothly and safely. Some help clarify or emphasise the meaning of
other signs. Improved road marking is often the most cost-effective solution to
traffic and accident problems.
The markings have the limitation that they get covered up by dirt, and they wear
away quite quickly on heavily-trafficked roads. Nevertheless, they serve a very
important function in conveying to drivers information and requirements which might
not otherwise be possible by post-mounted signs.
Where traffic congestion occurs, extensive use of road markings is essential to
ensure that full use is made of the available road space. In particular, widespread
use of lane markings is desirable; by enhancing lane discipline they add to the
safety of traffic, besides improving traffic flows. And at intersections road
markings can be very useful in showing drivers where to stop and look.
It is strongly recommended that road markings be considered in detail at the design
stage of new or improved intersections.
Road markings are classified as follows:
Longitudinal markings – dividing lines, lane lines and edge lines Transverse
markings – stop line, give way line and pedestrian crossings Other markings –
arrows, restricted areas, text and symbols

E.2 LONGITUDINAL MARKINGS
Dividing (centre) lines
M01 Continuous dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line
M02 Double continuous dividing line
Two 100 mm wide yellow lines with 130 mm separation
M03 Broken dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line.
Urban areas: 3 m mark with 6 m gap. Rural areas: 4 m mark with 8 m gap
M04 Combination of continuous and broken dividing line
M01 and M03 with 130 mm separation
M05 Zig-Zag dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line.
Urban areas: 2 m mark with 150 mm gap
Lane lines
M11 Continuous lane line
100 mm wide white line
M12 Broken lane line
100 mm wide white line.
Urban areas: 3 m mark with 6 m gap. Rural areas: 4 m mark with 8 m gap

Edge lines
M21 Standard edge line
100 mm wide white line
M22 Continuity line
100 mm / 200 mm wide white line.
Urban areas and rural areas: 1 m mark with 1 m gap
M23 No parking line
100 mm wide yellow line
E.3
M31
M33
TRANSVERSE MARKINGS
Stop line
Uncontrolled pedestrian crossing
M32 Give way line
M34 Signal-controlled pedestrian crossing
M35 Hump
E.4 OTHER MARKINGS
Arrows
M41 Lane arrow – ahead only
M42.1 Lane arrow – left turn only
M43.1 Lane arrow – ahead or left turn
M44.1 Diverge arrow – ahead of left turn lane
M45.1 Deflecting arrow - left
M42.2 Lane arrow – right turn only
M43.2 Lane arrow – ahead or right turn
M44.2 Diverge arrow – ahead of right turn lane
M45.2 Deflecting arrow - right
Traffic Signs Manual,
Volume 1
July 2004
Page 37
Restricted areas
M51 Chevron marking – merging
M53 Traffic island marking – between opposing directions
Text and symbols
M61 Give way marking
M63 Speed limit marking
Parking
M71 Parking bay
M52
Chevron marking – diverging
Direction of travel
M62
Text marking - STOP
Direction of travel
July 2004
Page 38
Section 5500 of the General Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under
preparation) sets out detailed standards for the manufacture and application of
road markings. Strict adherence to these standards will help ensure that the
marking performs well for an acceptable period. This section of the Traffic Signs
Manual contains general advice on road marking materials and application, but in
all cases the General Specifications take precedence.
Road marking requires special equipment and skills, and is best done by a
contractor who specialises in this activity. The quality of the road marking will
be very dependent on the skill and experience of the contractor‟s staff.
It is important with all road marking work to give careful attention to surface
preparation, setting out, and testing of the equipment. Templates should be used
for arrows, symbols, words and other complicated shapes.
E.5.2 Road Paint
The paint used for road markings should be manufactured specially for this purpose.
It should be quick-drying, durable and have good skid resistance. The paint is
normally applied by a spray machine, but some markings are easier to do with a
brush. When ordering road paint the proposed method of application must be
specified to ensure that the correct type of paint is supplied.
E.5.3 Thermoplastic
Hot-applied thermoplastic is taking over from road paint as the preferred marking
material. The initial cost is higher than for paint, but it is far more durable, so
it will usually be the more cost-effective option. It can be sprayed or screeded
onto the road surface. Transverse lines, arrows, symbols, and words are most easily
created by screeding. A high standard of materials, equipment and workmanship is
needed to produce good-quality markings.
E.5.4 Reflectorised Markings
Road markings should be reflectorised by the addition of reflecting glass beads. It
is important to ensure that the glass beads meet the specifications. With
thermoplastic the beads will normally be mixed into the material and more will be
sprayed onto the top of the marking whilst it is still molten. In the case of
paint, the beads will be sprayed onto the paint before it is dry.
E.5 MARKING MATERIALS E.5.1 Road Marking Standards
E.6 REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS E.6.1 Standards

Section 5500 of the General Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under
preparation) sets out standards for the manufacture and installation of road studs.
Modern road studs are made of high-strength plastic and incorporate corner cube
retroreflectors protected by an abrasion-resistant glass or plastic lens. They are
bonded to the road surface using epoxy resin or other adhesive.
E.6.2 Purpose and Use of Road Markings
Reflective road studs can be very effective at night, but they are costly, and so
are likely to be used only where clear guidance at night is critical for safety or
smooth traffic flow. Road studs on dividing lines and lane lines must reflect a
white light, though the body of the stud should preferably be the same colour as
the line marking. Table E.1 below indicates the colour and spacing of reflective
road studs for each of the main types of longitudinal road marking. Note that the
reflected light from the studs should be seen only by the traffic approaching on
the left-hand side of the road. This means that studs on edge lines and lane lines
should normally be one-sided (uni-directional).
Reflective road studs should not be used on transverse markings, as they could
interfere with stopping ability, and may be hazardous to two-wheeled vehicles.
Type of road marking
Colour shown by stud
Spacing of road studs (m)
M01 Continuous dividing line M02 M04 Double dividing line M03 Broken
dividing line
M12 Broken lane line
M22 Continuity line
Table E.1
Urban Rural White 66 White 66
White White
18 24 18 24
M21 Edge line
Red
(Amber on edge lines next to medians)
18
24
Green 33
Spacing of reflective road studs
July 2004
Page 40
F. F.1
F.1.1
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
PURPOSE AND CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Purpose and Use
Traffic Signals are used for the control and direction of vehicles and pedestrians
at:
Road intersections Pedestrian crossings Railway crossings.
A comprehensive guide to the design of signals installations is outside the scope
of this Manual. This section gives a general outline of what the signals practice
should be, together with advice on the siting and mounting of signal heads.
Traffic signals other than rail crossing signals should normally be used only on
streets and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or lower. They can, exceptionally,
be used on roads with speed limits between 50 km/h and 70 km/h, provided the
visibility is good, warning signs are used, the right turns are fully protected
(controlled by arrow signals) and at least one signal on each high-speed approach
is mounted overhead.
The signals must be visible from at least 70 metres away (or 110 metres if the
traffic speed exceeds 50 km/h). Warning sign W10 “Traffic Signal” must always be
used where the visibility is marginal, but do not install signals where the
visibility on any approach is well below these limits.
F.1.2 Schedule of Traffic Signals
The schedule contains the name, reference number and small pictures of each signal.
Standard design and use of each signal is described in the following sections.
TS01 Traffic signals
TS01.1 Standard signal
TS02 Pedestrian signals
TS01.2 Arrow signals
TS03 Traffic signals at railway crossings
July 2004
Page 41
F.2 TRAFFIC SIGNALS F.2.1 General
The main reasons for installing traffic signals at intersections are to reduce
conflicts and avoid congestion. The signal installation should be designed to
achieve safety and efficiency within the available road space. Traffic signals are
also used to control traffic at signal-controlled pedestrian crossings.
F.2.2 Standard Design
Traffic signals consist of three lights mounted vertically. Red shall be on the
top, amber in the middle and green at the bottom.
Where it is necessary to control different traffic movements independently the
plain lights should be replaced by arrows. The arrows have the same meaning as the
plain lights but they apply only to the traffic proceeding in the direction
indicated by the arrow. Arrows for straight-on traffic should point upwards.
The use of a separate signal head with red, amber and green arrows gives very good
control and the signals are easily understood. A lane must be provided for the sole
use of the traffic in each direction shown by arrows. The lane should be marked
with the appropriate lane arrow. The green arrow gives drivers the right of way to
move in that direction, so there should be no conflicting traffic movements when
the signal is lit.
The standard signal lens should have a diameter of 200 mm. At complicated
intersections and for overhead mounting the diameter should be increased to 300 mm.
Signal heads should be fitted with backing boards to make them more conspicuous.
These should be coloured black with a white border – see Figure F.1.
Border: 35(50)
200 mm 950mm (300mm)
(1400 mm) 275 mm (400 mm)
600 mm (900) mm)
Dimensions of the backing board may vary.
Figure F.1 Standard design of signals
The sequence of the signals will be red, green, amber, and then back to red. The
interpretation of the signal shall be as follows:
Red
A red signal means that traffic may not proceed.
Vehicles shall not pass the stop line, or, if there is no stop line, shall not pass
beyond the signal, or, if the signal is placed after the intersection, shall not
enter the intersection or move onto a pedestrian crossing at that intersection.
Green
A green signal means that traffic may proceed in any direction unless such movement
is prohibited by a regulatory sign.
However, the driver is not authorised to proceed if traffic is so congested that by
entering the intersection they would probably not have passed it before the signal
turns red again.
Amber
An amber signal, appearing alone, means a vehicle must stop, unless it is so close
to the stop line or signal that it cannot stop safely.
Table F.1 Interpretation of traffic signals at intersections F.2.4 Positioning and
Mounting
There should be at least two signals visible on each approach to the intersection –
a primary signal and a secondary signal. Where separate signalling of turning
movements is used this advice applies to the approach lane(s) associated with each
turning movement. One signal post can then display information for more than one
turning movement.
The primary signal should be located at the left-hand side of the road at a minimum
distance of 1 metre beyond the stop line (refer to Figures 5 and 6 in Appendix 2
(Volume 2)). Where there are two or more approach lanes a second primary signal
should be installed at the right- hand side on a traffic island (refer to Figure 6
in Appendix 2 (Volume 2). The secondary signal gives the same information as the
primary signal but is sited beyond the primary signal and preferably within the
driver‟s direct line of sight (it can be displaced up to a maximum of 300 from the
direct line of sight). The distance between the stop line and the secondary signal
should not exceed 50 metres. At large, complicated intersections, and on high-speed
roads, it is advisable for the secondary signals to be mounted overhead on mast
arms.
Make sure that the driver‟s view of the signals is not blocked by trees, lighting
columns, bus shelters, parked vehicles, or other obstructions.
F.2.3 Interpretation

A driver in a hurry at the stop line may start off early if he can see that the
signals on the other approaches are changing to red. This can be dangerous. To
avoid this, site the signals where they cannot be seen from other approaches, or
fit long hoods over the signal lights.
If two signal-controlled intersections are close to each other there is a risk that
a driver who is not concentrating will „see through‟ the first set of signals and
will act on the information given by the second set of signals. This can be
dangerous if the signals are not linked and are running on a different sequence. To
avoid this problem try and realign the second set of signals or fit hoods, so they
cannot be seen from the previous intersection.
The lights should be mounted in a black housing and should be protected from direct
sunlight by visors. Black backing boards help make the signals more visible against
light backgrounds. Signals for right-turn traffic shall be mounted to the right of
signals for straight-on traffic, and, similarly, those for left-turn traffic should
be on the left. The base of the signal housing should be not less than 2.1 metres
above ground level, in order to leave free passage for pedestrians. Increase this
to 2.3 metres where cyclists are present. There should be a minimum clearance of
5.0 metres between the carriageway and any part of a signal that is mounted
overhead.
F.2.5 Signal Control Methods and Timings
The aim in designing signal installations is to maximise capacity (minimise overall
delay) while maintaining a high degree of safety. It is important to keep as much
traffic moving as practicable at the same time. Detailed advice on signal control
is outside the scope of this Manual but some of the guiding principles are:
Use the lowest practicable number of stages (changes) in the signal cycle (complete
sequence of stages)
The signal cycle should preferably not exceed 120 seconds
Ensure that each approach is capable of carrying the maximum predicted traffic flow
Ensure that the time allocated to each stage is appropriate to the actual traffic
flow (a control system that can automatically vary the duration of the green signal
according to actual traffic flow is highly desirable on both efficiency and safety
grounds)
If appropriate, link adjacent sets of signals so that groups of vehicles can pass
through the intersections without stopping
The duration of the amber signal should normally be 3 seconds
The intergreen period (the period between the end of the green signal for one
approach and the start of the green signal for a conflicting approach) must be
sufficient to enable vehicles to clear the intersection safely – it is normally a
minimum of 4 seconds but it should be extended at large intersections or on high-
speed approaches – note however that long intergreen periods are wasteful and may
be abused by drivers
It is highly desirable for right-turn movements to be fully controlled (called a
protected right turn) by means of separate signals (green arrow and, if possible,
red and amber arrows)
When green arrow signals are lit drivers should be able to proceed in the direction
of the arrow without having to merge or give way to conflicting traffic streams.

Drivers must not be permitted to turn left when the main signal is on red, unless
there is a green arrow signal that allows them to do so.
F.3 PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS F.3.1 General
Pedestrian signals are used in combination with traffic signals at pedestrian
crossings within intersections or at separate pedestrian crossings. The signals may
be activated automatically by the intersection signal controller, or by the
pedestrian pushing a button to indicate to the controller his wish to cross.
The signals shall be arranged vertically with the red signal at the top and the
green at the bottom. The lights can be either a red/green man on black background
or a white man on red/green background
The signal lens should have a diameter of 200 mm. At complicated intersections and
at intersections with many pedestrians the diameter can be increased to 300 mm.
200 (300)
Figure F.2 Alternative designs of pedestrian signals F.3.3 Interpretation
The signal sequence for pedestrians is red, green and flashing green. The
interpretation of the signal shall be as follows:
Red Standing Man
Do not cross the road
Table F.2
Green Walking Man Flashing Green Man
Cross the road with care The signal is about to turn to Red. Do not start to cross
the
road.
Interpretation of pedestrian signals
July 2004 Page 45

It is desirable for pedestrian signals to be fitted with an audible signal that
sounds when the green signal is lit. This is to help blind and partially-sighted
pedestrians.
F.3.4 Positioning and Mounting
A pedestrian signal is normally mounted on the same post as the traffic signal. The
signals must face across the road so that the signal can be clearly seen by
pedestrians. A typical installation is illustrated in Figure 8 in Appendix 2
(Volume 2).
Minimum vertical clearances from the carriageway shall not be less than 2.1 m and
not more than 2.6 m.
F.4 TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS F.4.1 General
This signal is used to control vehicle traffic at railway level crossings. It is
recommended that this signal, together with gates or barriers, be used at all rail
crossings. The diameter of the signal lamps must be at least 200 mm, but 300 mm
diameter lamps are preferred. The flashing red lights may be supplemented by a
sound signal. A stop line must be marked on the road to indicate to drivers where
to stop when the red lights are flashing.
Traffic signals at railway crossings consist of two red flashing lights mounted
horizontally. The lights must flash alternately, i.e. when one red light is on, the
other must be off.
A signal which flashes white when the railway crossing is open to traffic may be
added. This also indicates to drivers that the light signal is working.
200 min
Figure F.3 Standard design of traffic signals at railway crossings F.4.3
Positioning and Mounting
The signal will be positioned within 5 - 10 metres of the nearest rail line and
where it can easily be seen by drivers halted at the stop line. It can be at the
left hand side of the road, but it may be more visible if it is mounted above the
carriageway. Where it is necessary to make the signal more prominent (such as on a
left-hand bend) a second signal may be positioned on the right hand side of the
road.
Traffic Signs Manual Vol.1 FINAL

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THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

D.4.3.3 Multiple Signs

W13 Dual carriageway ends

W21 Other danger

Other vehicles, road users and animals

W45 Children in the road

D.5.3.3 Temporary Warning Signs

D.6.3.1 Prohibitory Signs

Restricted vehicle movements and use

R65 Give way to oncoming vehicles

D.7 GUIDANCE SIGNS D.7.1 Purpose and Use

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Advance direction signs

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

E.6 REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS E.6.1 Standards

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

Government of Uganda Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications

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