Road Traffic Signs

Expert Advice: Road Signs for Efficient Traffic Management

Prevention of accidents is one of the main considerations when planning your traffic management strategy. Road traffic signs are an integral part of getting this right and should be present around any business which allows vehicle access, including construction sites, car parks, and warehouses.

Seton’s range of signs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Unless being placed in sheltered spots, road traffic signs need to be able to withstand tough environmental conditions, such as adverse weather, UV damage and pollution. Whichever option you choose, our road traffic signs are designed to be strong and durable, so they can continue to guide employees and visitors around your premises for years to come.

Traffic Signs Explained

Signs are available in a number of categories:

• Information signs provide directions and site details


• Prohibition signs show speed limits and other traffic restrictions


• Hazard signs warn drivers of potential dangers around your site


• Mandatory signs explain rules that must be followed

By combining these sign types together you can create a system that will guide vehicles and people safely around your premises.

The range of road traffic signs at Seton is extensive, but all business premises are unique. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for in our current range, please get in touch to discuss using our custom sign service. We can create the road traffic sign to suit your exact requirements.

It is essential your signs are securely fixed, and we supply a selection of sign holders and fixings to enable you to do this.

For the highest safety standards, use our road traffic signs in conjunction with our line marking systems and road marking stencils to provide clear information for all vehicle drivers.

Traffic Safety Signs that Reduce Risk

Creating an effective traffic management scheme that fully complies with health and safety laws can seem an impossible task. Seton are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of workplace safety equipment so we pride ourselves on making the task easier. The range of products available will enable you to implement your safety strategies with complete peace of mind, as all products comply with the relevant EU and UK safety rules.

A good traffic management system is important for accident prevention. It also increases the efficiency of vehicles moving onto and around your premises. Your road traffic system is the first impression any visitors arriving will have of your business. A safe and efficient one is sure to impress. Installing a traffic calming device such as a speed bump within the workplace improves health and safety as they slow down vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents. Using road traffic signs are an essential part of any traffic management system as they convey clear precise messages and raise the awareness of potential hazards.

Which road signs does my business need in the UK?

The road traffic signs required by your business will depend on your premises, your objectives and your overall traffic management plan. You may need fixed or portable signs, and they may need to cover a wide variety of situations and scenarios.
One thing is for sure, you will need to comply with UK legislation when it comes to the road traffic signs used on your premises. Under legislation known as BS EN 12899-1:2007, fixed vertical road signs in the UK have to conform to strict standards, demonstrated by manufacturers in the form of a CE mark.
This legislation covers fixed signs installed for the guidance and instruction of road users on both public and private land, so it can be legally applied to anywhere on your business premises that could be considered a road even if the general public don’t have access to it.
Signs and devices that fall outside the scope of BS EN 12899-1:2007 are generally covered by other European Standards and/or under BS8442, which covers “miscellaneous road traffic signs & devices”, such as rigid and flexible portable signs, barriers, stop/go signs, road studs, bollards and pedestrian crossing beacons.
Road traffic signs are also covered under Section 64 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which defines a traffic sign as:

“any object or device (whether fixed or portable) for conveying, to traffic on roads or any specified class of traffic, warnings, information, requirements, restrictions or prohibitions of any description”

UK lawyers Slater & Gordon point out that while the usual rules of the road may not always apply on privately owned land, it is possible that an accident on private premises will lead to a private prosecution or civil claim.
As you’re probably starting to realise, there are a fairly complicated set of rules and guidelines around road traffic sign usage even on your own private premises, which is why it’s always best to buy new road traffic signs from trusted manufacturers who will ensure that signs meet current guidelines before putting them on the market.

What road signs do I need for traffic management on my business premises?

It’s important to carefully assess the risks and requirements of your business premises when devising a traffic management plan. Depending on your situation and objectives, you may, for example, need stop signs, speed limit signs, give way signs, road crossing signs or no through road signs as well as temporary signs such as road closed signs. You may also need signs with specific instructions such as no parking, reserved parking or no vehicles beyond this point. Take a look at our range of signs, and if you don’t see exactly what you need, feel free to give us a call. We offer a custom sign service to help you create unique signage if necessary.

How much do road signs cost in the UK?

The cost of your road traffic signs will depend on the quality of the materials the signs are made of, and this in turn may depend on your particular challenges. If graffiti on your signs is likely to be a problem, you may want to buy signs made from Class RA1 aluminium. Signs that are exposed to weather or in positions where they can easily be broken may require more durable materials. You can check out our traffic signs materials guide to get a good idea what type of sign you need. Just keep in mind that the higher the quality, the less often you’ll have to replace the signs.

Here at Seton, we have a range of high-quality road traffic signs, such as:

• Class RA1 Aluminium Extra Tough Speed Limit Signs – It comes with an Extra Tough Anti-Graffiti Over Laminate.


• Class 1 Reflective Roll-Up Road Signs – These combine flexible roll-up sign faces and a folding sign stand for convenient storage and transportation.


• Customisable Traffic Signs – These signs can be customised with your own text and are provided in Class RA1 rigid plastic or Class RA1 aluminium (including the Extra Tough laminate if required).

However, we also offer some very affordable alternatives like our economy road signs manufactured from 2mm rigid plastic. Many of our signs come in different materials and at different price points, so it’s likely that we have something that suits your budget. Contact us to find out more.