TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS: KEY PRODUCTS FOR UK ROADWORKS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES 

Conducting roadworks or any type of construction where live traffic needs to be considered relies on well-planned traffic management. The right traffic management products help guide vehicle movement, keep access routes safe and reduce risk for everyone on site. 

In the UK, temporary traffic management must be planned and implemented in line with recognised guidance and standards, including Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD). Using compliant equipment supports clear communication with road users, improves visibility in challenging conditions and helps duty holders meet their legal responsibilities. 

In this blog post, we will outline essential traffic management products commonly used across construction and motorway projects, including barriers, signage, traffic cones, and speed bumps. 

 

WHY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL ON UK ROADWORKS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES 

Traffic management plays a critical role in ensuring construction sites and roadworks operate safely and efficiently, clear traffic control measures are essential for managing risk and maintaining access. 

Effective traffic management is important because it helps to: 

• Protect workers, motorists and pedestrians by clearly separating traffic from work areas and reducing the risk of sudden or unsafe manoeuvres 

• Meet legal responsibilities and duty of care by following recognised guidance such as Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual 

• Reduce accidents, congestion and project disruption through clear layouts and consistent traffic flow 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT 

Selecting appropriate traffic management equipment starts with a clear assessment of site-specific risks and traffic conditions.  

Key factors include: 

• Road type 

• Traffic speed 

• Vehicle volumes 

• Pedestrian movement  

• Duration of works 

Durability, visibility and ease of handling are important considerations, particularly on sites where layouts change frequently. 

Working with experienced traffic management suppliers can help ensure products are correctly specified and appropriate for the application, supporting safer working environments and smoother project delivery.  

 

The following sections cover the key traffic management products, you need to keep your site compliant and secure:  

1. PLASTIC ROAD BARRIERS

There are a variety of plastic road barriers which help support traffic control and pedestrian safety across construction zones and roadworks. 

Chapter 8 barriers are designed in line with UK visibility and safety requirements; they are widely used for temporary traffic control during roadworks, construction projects, utilities works and events. 

Manufactured from durable HDPE and fitted with reflective strips, these barriers help create clear, physical separation between vehicles, pedestrians and active work areas. Their modular design allows barriers to be linked together securely, forming continuous runs that guide traffic and protect site operatives. At the same time, their relatively lightweight construction makes them practical to transport, install and reposition as layouts change. 

In pedestrian areas, features such as rotating anti-trip feet can help reduce trip risks in high-footfall locations, including pavements and shared access routes. Compliance with standards such as BS EN 8442 and BS EN 12899-1 for reflectivity supports consistent visibility and performance, making plastic Chapter 8 barriers a dependable choice for a wide range of temporary traffic management applications. 

 

2. MOTORWAY ROAD SIGNS AND MATCHING FRAMES

Temporary motorway road signs are a critical element of traffic management, particularly on high-speed roads where clear communication is essential for managing risk. Well-designed and correctly positioned signage provides warning of changes to road layout, speed limits and hazards, helping drivers respond safely as they approach roadworks or construction activity. 

Some of the most common signs include:  

Road works ahead / Men at work

Temporary speed limit

Diversion route

Temporary Stop/Go

 

To remain effective, signs must be stable, clearly visible and positioned at the correct height and orientation. Matching frames and suitable ballast systems help signs remain secure in exposed roadside conditions and variable weather. 

 

3. TRAFFIC CONES

Traffic cones are a fundamental element of temporary traffic management, used to define lanes, highlight hazards and guide vehicles and pedestrians safely through or around work areas. They provide a clear and consistent visual boundary, while remaining quick to deploy and easy to adapt as site layouts and traffic conditions change. 

Cones used on motorways should comply with the TSRGD and the requirements set out in Chapter 8 of the UK Traffic Signs Manual. They are typically manufactured to BS EN 13422, which sets performance standards for visibility, stability and durability. Following Chapter 8 guidance helps ensure cones are clearly visible and consistently deployed, particularly in high-speed or low-light conditions, reducing the risk of driver confusion and supporting safer movement through temporary traffic management layouts. 

From a risk management perspective, stability, reflectivity and durability are key considerations. Cones must remain upright in wind, remain visible in poor weather or reduced lighting, and withstand repeated handling during installation and removal. Stackable designs also support safer manual handling and more efficient transport and storage, helping teams set up and clear traffic management arrangements with minimal disruption. 

In conjunction with cones, traffic cone lamps are often used to improve visibility and guiding performance, especially in low-light or night-time conditions.When mounted on a cone, these lamps provide a consistent amber light that helps highlight the position of cones and delineate safe vehicle paths, making hazard zones and lane tapers easier for drivers to recognise from a distance.  In some systems, lamps can even synchronise to create a sequential pattern that intuitively directs traffic, supporting safer movement through complex or high-speed traffic management layouts. By enhancing cone visibility and reinforcing the intended traffic flow, cone lamps contribute to a layered approach to risk control in temporary traffic management schemes. 

 

 

4. SPEED BUMPS AND TRAFFIC CALMING PRODUCTS

Managing vehicle speed is a key aspect of traffic management. Excessive speed on site access roads, within compounds or at entrances increases both the likelihood and severity of incidents, making traffic calming measures vital. 

5 mph speed bumps are commonly used to physically encourage low vehicle speeds where signage alone may not be sufficient. By reducing speeds, they help shorten stopping distances and improve driver reaction time. 

Used alongside clear signage and defined traffic routes, speed bumps support a structured approach to controlling vehicle movement and improving overall site safety. 

 

 

CONCLUSION: BUILDING SAFER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SETUPS 

Effective traffic management relies on using the right combination of products to control vehicle movement, protect pedestrians and support safe working conditions. From Chapter 8 barriers and compliant signage to traffic cones, cone lamps and speed control measures, each element plays a role in reducing risk on UK roads and construction sites. 

Using compliant, high-quality equipment helps ensure visibility, consistency and reliability across temporary traffic management layouts. While regularly reviewing traffic management plans and equipment selection allows site teams to respond to changing conditions and maintain safe operations throughout the life of a project.