BACKPlanning Permission for LED Traffic Signage
19th November 2014
Thinking about installing an LED traffic sign but worried about planning permission?
LED is certainly the sign of choice if you want to create an eye-catching, attractive and versatile display. However, planning permission is required for the installation and usage of public LED displays. In particular, LED traffic-management signs require a more in-depth approach to planning permissions. This is due to them not only being installed beside public roads, but also because, by design, they influence the behaviour of road users.
In our this brief guide on Planning Permission for LED Traffic Signage, we provide an overview of the key areas to think about if you are looking at installing an LED sign for speed reduction, road hazard warning or providing crucial information to road users.
This guide covers the some of the key considerations required when choosing to use a Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) sign or Variable Message Sign (VMS) alongside public roads, such as:
- Design and Legal Approval
- Brightness and Dimming
- Moving Messages on the LED unit
- Installation of the Sign
- Parish Council Considerations
For more detailed expert advice on your LED traffic signage project, let Messagemaker Displays be your trusted partner for information and guidance. We have over 25 years’ experience in LED displays with key knowledge of LED traffic signage use in the UK Highways industry.
Design and Legal Approval
The Department for Transport’s Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD) makes clear that all electronic traffic signs must be officially approved before being placed on or near a highway.
Permanent LED Traffic signs must follow strict rules under TSRGD. They must be either:
- Already listed in the TSRGD, or
- Formally approved for special use by the Department for Transport
A lot of signs used along the roadside are pre-set designs that are compliant with TSRGD. However, if your sign is different from the approved pre-sets (e.g., double-sided or flashing) you will require written approval before purchasing or installing.
One additional thing to note is that there are separate rules around temporary LED traffic signage. Temporary signage can be allowed alongside public roads, but it cannot be used as a permanent solution.
Example: You have been using a Messagemaker Displays SAM sign to reduce speeding alongside a residential road. The solution has been working and you’d like to keep it as a permanent solution. As the sign is not TSRGD compliant, you must replace the SAM with another Vehicle Activated Speed sign that is.
Brightness and Dimming
The brightness levels on LED signs must controlled so they’re visible at night but are also not so bright that drivers are dazzled. TSRGD guidelines require lamps to dim appropriately, keeping road safety in mind.
It is easy to get caught up in specific brightness measurements, such as lumens, nit or calenda per square metre – however, these requirements will usually fall under EN standards and are implemented in the design stage of the LED traffic signage units.
All Messagemaker Displays units are equipped with automatic brightness control, utilising sensors to measure and adjust the brightness of the LEDs. Our units are also EN12966 certified.
Moving Messages on LED Signage units
The usage of moving or flashing messaging on a Variable Message Display (VMS) is heavily restricted under TSRGD. This is due to the risks associated with distracting motorists while they are driving.
To avoid this risk, your VMS message must not flash or scroll, instead remaining steady and clear. Flashing lights such like alternating wig-wags beacons (see image) are only permitted on official traffic signals, not on standard management signs.
One example of message variation that may be allowed from your local authority is called Fixed Page Messaging. This is where the VMS display shows fixed data, but the message itself is variable (like motorway signs). This includes messaging changing at certain scheduled times (e.g. speed limit changes), to indicate full carparks or to display urgent messaging to motorists.
If you are looking to utilise fixed page messaging on your sign, it is best to check and discuss with your local authority as how frequently the message is changed.
Parish Council Permissions for LED Traffic Signs
While Parish Councils do have certain powers that allow for the placement of VAS signage and similar traffic signage, they must obtain prior consent from their local highway authority under under Section 72 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Can Messagemaker Displays help me submit a request for Planning Permission for LED Traffic Signage?
While the Messagemaker Displays team cannot complete a planning application on your behalf, we are certainly able to supply the LED traffic signage units.
Messagemaker Displays is a member of the Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM). Further information on the specific requirements to consider can be found within their guidance materials.
For more advice and guidance on your LED traffic signage project contact us on Tel 01737 774738 or submit an enquiry.
Other Useful Resources:
- TSRGD 2016 – the law that governs all traffic signs and rules about design and approval
- Traffic Signs Manual – guidance for authorities and contractors installation
- Series 1200 Traffic Signs Standards – technical requirements for bases and fitting
- Vehicle-Activated Sign Guidance – parish-council permissions under Section 72
