All manufacturers of highway road signs must obtain UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking certification, which replaced the CE marking following Brexit. Additionally, companies must hold National Highways Sector Scheme 9A certification and maintain ISO 9001 quality management system certification to demonstrate their operational competence and consistent manufacturing standards.
Standard Specifications, Designs & Materials
The manufacturing process must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) and the Traffic Signs Manual. Meeting these and the specifications outlined in BS EN 12899-1, the British/European standard for fixed vertical road traffic signs. These standards specify precise requirements for physical performance under wind loading, temporary deflection, dynamic snow loading, and point loads. Signs must also meet specific visual performance requirements, including minimum levels of retro reflectivity, colour specifications within CIE chromaticity coordinates, and luminance factor thresholds.
Material selection is crucial in the manufacturing process. Retroreflective materials must meet class RA1, RA2, or R3B specifications depending on the sign's intended location and purpose. Sign substrates typically must be manufactured from suitable aluminium alloys or other approved materials that meet specific strength and durability requirements e.g highway grade aluminium composite. All materials must demonstrate resistance to impact, weather degradation, and UV exposure, with expected performance lifespan of up to 12 years depending on the material grade and environmental conditions.
Quality Control Measures
Quality control during manufacturing requires extensive documentation and testing protocols. Manufacturers must maintain detailed records of material batch numbers, production conditions, and quality control test results. Regular testing includes retro reflectivity measurements, colour verification, and physical integrity assessments. Production facilities must undergo annual audits by accredited certification bodies to maintain their certifications, with specific focus on process control, staff competency, and equipment calibration.
Temporary Vs Permanent Traffic Signs Requirements
For temporary traffic signs used in road works, separate requirements apply as outlined in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. These signs must meet specific visibility requirements for both day and night conditions and often require different retroreflective material specifications to account for their temporary nature and frequent handling. The mounting systems and structural integrity requirements also differ from permanent signs to allow for rapid deployment and removal.
Additional Compliance to Consider
Additional considerations include environmental compliance, with manufacturers needing to demonstrate responsible disposal of waste materials and the use of environmentally sustainable practices where possible. Sign designs must also comply with intellectual property rights and copyright requirements, particularly for specialized signs or those incorporating logos or symbols.
Companies seeking the most current and detailed requirements should contact either the Department for Transport or a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited certification body, as regulations and standards may be updated periodically. Regular industry updates and technical bulletins are issued through various channels including the Department for Transport website and industry associations.
How to supply highway signs without the certification?
For smaller sign companies that are not able to make the significant investment in machinery and administration to produce certified highway signs, the best option is to partner with an existing supplier of certified traffic signs (e.g Sign Trade Supplies)
Working with a supply partner will allow the sign companies to ensure compliance whilst maintaining a full service offering to its clients.
Helpful industry links for Road Traffic Certification:
ARTSM Guidance for specifying permanent road signs
Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD)
UKCA approved Road Sign Supplier