10 Common TM Mistakes

Many organisers don’t realise a live TM site must be inspected daily — even when not in use — and must have a qualified supervisor available to handle issues.
Failure to log and maintain the site can lead to legal liability, especially on roads with speed limits or narrowed lanes.

The round “no waiting” cones commonly seen at events are not compliant with TSRGD regulations. Only flat-faced, triangular cones with reflective signage are legal on UK roads. Using the wrong ones can result in fines of up to £1,000 per item.

The “Road Works Ahead” (TSRGD: 7001) sign is legally required on every approach to a work zone or road closure.
It’s often missing — but without it, your signage setup is incomplete and non-compliant. Placement distance depends on road speed.

Even qualified TM operatives cannot legally direct traffic by hand — only police officers or those with delegated powers can do so.
Use legally compliant signs, not hand signals, and never place marshals in live traffic lanes.

A proper closure point must include a ROAD CLOSED sign, cones, a traffic barrier, and lamps at night.
Closure points must be installed and removed only by qualified operatives and must fully meet Chapter 8 and Red Book standards.

A diversion must be signed clearly, completely, and consistently — using both advance direction and flag-type signs.
Cutting corners leads to driver confusion, inappropriate detours, and unsafe road use.

All road signs used must be approved by the TSRGD or have specific DfT authorisation.
Homemade, mislabelled, or misused signs can invalidate your entire TM setup and expose organisers to enforcement action.

Signs must allow 1m+ footway clearance, be properly weighted (e.g. sandbags at the base), and placed at safe distances from the carriageway.
Improperly secured signs can fall, cause injury, or obstruct road users — especially in windy conditions.

Sign sizes are determined by road speed. Using undersized signs — even by accident — on faster roads makes them illegal and puts drivers at risk.
Higher-speed roads need larger x-heights and bigger sign faces, which aren’t always off-the-shelf.

Temporary crossings must use two signal heads per approach, safe crossing widths, lighting, and proper guarding.
Incorrect placement of WAIT HERE boards or ramps without protection puts pedestrians at serious risk — especially on unlit or narrow roads.