Only a police officer can direct traffic with hand signals or delegate the power to another individual. Bankspeople (commonly used to help large vehicles reverse) and Marshalls can be used to direct traffic on private land, however, this is not recommended due to increased risk to the staff.

With the use of correct signing (utilising appropriate text sizes, colours, reflectivity, and placing), such as that on the right there should never be a need for staff to be placed directing traffic on a live road. These signs can be designed in accordance with Chapter 7 of the Traffic sign manual and meet the legal requirements of TSRGD Schedule 13 Part 9, making them legal for use on UK roads.

The sign shown above (TSRGD: 7001.3) "Workforce in road" must only be used when TM operatives are in the live lines such as when crossing a dual carriageway to erect offside signs. The sign must be removed once operatives are no longer in the carriageway.  Using this sign to allow a marshall to stand in the street and direct or speak to passing event attendees is not permitted.

Summary: Only police officers or delegated authorities can legally direct traffic by hand.

Why This Matters: Hand signals by unqualified staff are illegal and unsafe. Proper signage eliminates the need for direct verbal or hand instructions.

Key Regulations:

• Only police or delegated authority may control public traffic

• Marshals may operate on private land only

Common Issues:

• Marshals guiding traffic on public roads

• No signs in place to manage traffic without intervention

What You Should Do:

• Use compliant signage designed to Chapter 7/TSRGD specs

• Avoid placing personnel in carriageways unless necessary and qualified

Event TM Recommends:

• Production signage packages

• Site marshal training for internal traffic zones