There are two new online resources for those involved with traffic signs.
1. Updated working drawings for directional signs
The DfT has published 188 pages of working drawings and examples covering Schedule 12 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).
Most of the content is the same as the previous 2002 and 2011 versions, but the drawings are now far more accessible and include the addition of ‘tiger tails’ for the first time.
You can view or download the full set of drawings here. 
2. A single consolidated version of TSRGD 2016
For the first time, TSRGD 2016 has been brought together in one online document, incorporating all subsequent amendments. That includes the 2017 corrections, Scotland’s 2022 update, Wales’ 2023 version, and the complicated wording needed for the electric scooter rental trials.
While the full document is extensive, this single, searchable format makes it much simpler to stay compliant with the latest regulations.
Access it here: The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016
Why this matters
The TSRGD legislation that signs must conform to has become increasingly difficult to follow with the numerous amendments made to it over the past 9 years. Until now, people have mainly relied upon printed copies full of untidy sticky notes and handwritten annotations showing the major changes. The new consolidated version puts everything back in one place, enabling sign designers, lawyers, and the public to have a single on-line reference from which to ascertain the current law, such as for permitted variants of signs.
Having the working drawings for directional signs readily accessible again (as they were before the 2016 TSRGD) is another big benefit. Although users of Causeway products such as SignPlot and Sign (previously PDS Sign) can be confident that the software is leading them towards a correct design, it is still necessary to check against the drawings for unusual sign and special cases.
Written by Simon Morgan, MA, MSc, CEng, MICE, HonFIHE, FBCS, CITP, Principal Advisor, Causeway Technologies
Founder of Buchanan Computing (now part of Causeway Technologies), Simon uses his local government and subsequent experience to assist DfT, Transport Scotland, Welsh Government, National Highways, Traffic Penalty Tribunal and others with policy issues and training. He chairs the committees at both BSI and the Institute of Highway Engineers responsible for traffic signs, and is well known as an author and speaker on signing, traffic orders and improving road safety.
If you’re designing or checking signs and markings, Causeway's Signs & Lines suite takes care of the details. It helps you stay compliant with TSRGD, BIM and local standards. Get in touch to find out more.
