Traffic light switch off or on

Before you apply for temporary traffic signals

You will need a traffic management plan drawn up by an accredited traffic management company. 

You must apply for a highways licence or permit to book your road space. The approval will only be given via a licence or permit. 

We require a minimum of 7 working days' notice to review your application.

We offer a fast track service for applicants who need to have the permanent lights switch off/on sooner than the required notice period of 7 working days. This is on the basis that the licence/permit is approved. We require documents and 2 working days notice for Fast Track applications.

How to apply for temporary traffic signals

The form will take 10 minutes to complete.

Apply for a permanent signals switch off/on

If you have any problems when applying, email trafficmanagement@cheshireeasthighways.org

Application form guidance

Traffic management plan

When you apply, we’ll need a 1:1,250 scale (or greater) plan showing the positions of the following:

• 'wait here until green light shows' sign 
• temporary traffic signal heads
• cones for working area, safety zones and pedestrian walkways (where applicable) 

We may ask to see proof of public liability insurance indemnifying us for a minimum of £5 million.

Fees and charges apply for a permanent light switch off/on:

• Any switch off or on, completed Monday – Friday excluding Bank Holidays = £425 (for a switch off and on to be carried out the total fee will be £850)
• Fast Track: Switch off and on, completed Monday – Friday excluding Bank Holidays = £900
• Any switch off or on, completed during out of hours (17.00 - 08.00), Bank Holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays = £500 (for a switch off and on to be carried out the total fee will be £1000).
• Fast Track: Switch off and on, completed during out of hours (17.00 - 08.00), Bank Holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays = £1050
• Emergency switch off and on, completed Monday – Friday excluding Bank Holidays = £950
• Emergency switch off and on, completed during out of hours (17.00 - 08.00), Bank Holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays = £1100

VAT does not apply.

If you cancel your application prior to approval, we’ll refund the fee, but we will deduct an admin charge of £97. If your permit or highways licence has already been granted prior to cancelling, we will be unable to issue a refund and additional costs may be incurred.

Payment

for a temporary traffic signals licence

You will need to pay online when you submit your application.

After you apply

After you apply, an automated email will be sent to the email address given online with your reference number and confirmation of payment. We will review your application to make sure your plans are suitable for the site and we will contact you if any amendments are needed.

All approvals will be issued via a permit/highway licence.

If you have submitted an application and it has not been approved yet, you can make any date changes or amendments to your submitted application by emailing trafficmanagement@cheshireeasthighways.org. We do not require a further application to be submitted online.

Your responsibilities when operating temporary traffic signals

Health and safety

when using temporary traffic signals

You must comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice including the Department for Transport’s Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice. You can be fined or prosecuted if you don’t comply.

Permanent traffic light on/off switching

Your traffic management company must be onsite and ready at least 30 minutes before the time requested.

If your traffic management company are not on site at the stated time, our contractor will leave site. You will then need to reschedule, and you will have to pay a further fee and give another plan within the required notice period of 7 working days. If you cancel a switch off/on without telling us, you will need to cover our costs for the visit.

Generators used with temporary traffic signals

Generators in urban areas must be fitted with a silencer when being used overnight.  

Clearing the site

Once complete all signage must be removed and any rubbish must be cleared. You will need to pay a fee if we have to dispose of any apparatus/rubbish left on site.

Failure to comply with any of these listed responsibilities will result in your licence/permit being revoked.

Temporary traffic signals legislation

The operation of temporary traffic signals is covered by part 9 of the Highways Act 1980