The Department for Transport (DfT) has published an updated Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, bringing guidance on the design and operation of temporary traffic management together within a single document.

The revised guidance replaces the previous three-part version covering design, operations and updates. It is intended for highway authorities, contractors, designers and others involved in planning and delivering road works, street works and other temporary traffic management arrangements.

The updated Chapter 8 covers the planning, design and implementation of temporary traffic management, including the installation, maintenance and removal of temporary signs and equipment. The guidance is used across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

National Highways, which maintains and updates Chapter 8 on behalf of DfT, has also introduced a new formal process through which practitioners and organisations can propose changes for future editions. Proposals will be considered through a staged process involving an initial submission, supporting evidence, review by a panel and, where recommended, consideration by a cross-sector steering group.

The new approach is intended to enable a wider range of experience and expertise from across the sector to inform future changes to the guidance. Deadlines for the first round of proposals are March 2027 for Category A and B submissions and June 2027 for Category C submissions.

Wider changes to street and road works guidance

The publication comes as DfT is also consulting on revisions to Safety at street works and road works: a code of practice, which provides statutory guidance for utility companies and highway authorities on protecting workers, road users and pedestrians during works. The draft has been updated to reflect changes in legislation, guidance and working practices.

CIHT will be submitting a response to this consultation and has invited members to submit their views.

The review also follows recommendations made in CIHT's 2025 Reducing the impact of highway works on road users. The report calls for accessibility measures within the Code of Practice to be reviewed and updated, alongside better coordination, stronger use of data and innovation, and a regulatory framework supporting more consistent delivery of street and road works.