New Roads & Street Works Act 1991

The purpose of this publication is:

1. To set a framework for the use bilingual signing of street works in Wales, and
2. To ensure that any enforcement action necessary concerns breaches of the Act, and not the non-use of bilingual signs; and
3. To facilitate the reporting to Welsh HAUC of compliance with this Guidance Note

Note: It is intended that this Guidance Note cover all undertakers and their contractors, and is for all types of works.

2.1 General

Regulation 4(1) of the Traffic Signs (Welsh and English Language Provisions) Regulations and General Directions 1985 (No 713) states that bilingual signs "may be used in Wales".

2.2 Use of bilingual signs

There is, and has been for some time among members of Welsh HAUC, a general consensus in favour of a phased, voluntary introduction of bilingual signing of street works. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see in addition to highway works, bilingual signs set out at major street works throughout parts of the region.

3.1 Setting out of signs

Where bilingual signs are used they must be set out in accordance with the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice issued under sections 65 and 124 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

3.2 Full bilingual sets of signs

At all times it is preferred that only full sets of bilingual signs are used. To facilitate this every effort should be made to ensure that all teams carry sufficient bilingual signs to cover all types of works they are likely to undertake.

4.1 Breaches of the Code of Practice

Where bilingual signs are used and breaches of the Code occur, the authority will take appropriate action at that time. Where the inspection has been randomly sampled and inadequate signing, lighting and guarding is found it will be included in any future performance report.

4.2 Compliance with Guidance Note

Where no attempt is made to use bilingual signs or signs are found to be mixed with English only signs the authority will report this to the relevant undertaker.

5.1 Sub-Regional HAUCs

Each Sub-Regional HAUC should discuss compliance with this Guidance Note as a standing item and report to Welsh HAUC on its findings. Such a report shall serve to indicate adherence to this Welsh HAUC agreement and monitor its effectiveness.