10 Common TM Mistakes
10 Common Event Traffic Management Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) This short guide is designed to help event managers understand key compliance risks in temporary traffic management (TTM). Based on real-world experience and aligned with UK regulations, it highlights what often goes wrong — and how to put it right.
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Illegal No Waiting Cones
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 Traffic Sign Regulation and General Directions 2016 (TSRGD) referred to as the "traffic sign bible" contains every sign permitted to be used on the UK's roads (TSR NI for Northern Ireland) and it states that a sign must be displayed on a flat surface and not on a curved one.
The no waiting symbol shown left is TSRGD REF:636 and this means that when displayed on a UK road it must be on a flat surface. This ultimately makes the use of the round "no waiting cone*" shown below illegal on UK roads, and doing so could leave you liable in the event of an accident. There is a fine of up to 1000.00 GBP per item of incorrect equipment on your site if a council or HSE inspector visits - |Imagine having 50 of the wrong cone...
For a road approved no waiting bollard*, you will need a triangular one, and for it to be enforceable at night-time, the roundel must be reflective. Unfortunately, the below photo can't be used at all on UK roads, as you can see the bottom of the roundel reads "no waiting" & this is not TSRGD approved.
Round "no waiting cones*" are cheaper than road-approved ones and are therefore a good alternative on private roads and within the event site to minimise cost.
*These aren't actually a "cone". Although its shape is still conical, in the TM industry, a cone refers specifically to one with a white reflective band; without a reflective band, it is not a cone but a bollard.
Summary: Round no-waiting cones are not TSRGD compliant and must not be used on public roads.
Why This Matters: Improper cones are not just non-enforceable — they’re illegal. Using them risks fines up to £1,000 per item and invalidates your TM setup.
Key Regulations:
TSRGD REF: 636 requires flat-faced, triangular signs
Signs must be reflective and placed on a flat surface
Common Issues:
Round cones used for cost savings
Wrong cones placed on highways instead of private land
What You Should Do:
Use TSRGD-approved triangular bollards with reflective roundels
Reserve round cones for private/internal event space only
Event TM Recommends:
Fully compliant cone hire
Sign audits before event launch