The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994

Variations of dimensions

12.—(1) Where any diagram in Schedules 1 to 12 specifies a dimension for an element of a sign together with a dimension for that element in brackets, the dimensions so specified shall, subject to paragraph (2), be alternatives.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), where alternative dimensions are specified for more than one element of a sign, the dimensions chosen for each element must correspond with one another so that the shape and proportions of the sign are as shown in the diagram.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply to the road marking shown in diagram 1009 and the respective lengths of the lines comprised in that sign and of the gaps between them may be either—

(a)600 and 300 millimetres, in which case the width of the lines may be 100, 150 or 200 millimetres; or

(b)300 and 150 millimetres, in which case the width of the lines shall be 100 millimetres.

(4) Paragraph (2) does not apply to the road markings shown in diagrams 1013.3, 1035, 1036.1, 1036.2, 1037.1, 1040, 1040.2, 1040.4 and 1041.

(5) Where any diagram in Schedules 1 to 12 specifies a maximum and a minimum dimension for an element of a sign, the dimension chosen for that element shall, subject to the footnote to Table 1, be not more than the maximum and not less than the minimum.

(6) Where maximum and minimum dimensions are specified for more than one element of a sign, the dimensions chosen for each element must correspond with one another so that the shape and proportions of the sign are as shown in the diagram.

(7) Where a sign shown in diagram 606, 607, 609, 610, 611, 611.1, 612, 613, 614, 616, 636, 638, 642, 643, 644 or 645 is placed temporarily on a road by a constable or a person acting under the instructions (whether general or specific) of the chief officer of police for the purposes of indicating a temporary statutory provision, any dimension in the diagram for the diameter of a roundel, or for the sign may be reduced so long as any dimension shown in the diagram for the diameter of a roundel or for the measurement horizontally of the sign is at least 200 millimetres, and the height of any lettering is at least 20 millimetres.

(8) Any sign shown in diagrams 960, 960.1, 7201, 7202, 7203, 7203.1, 7204, 7205, 7206, 7207, 7210, 7211, 7212, 7213, 7214, 7215, 7216, 7217, 7218, 7220, 7221, 7230, 7231, 7232, 7233, 7234, 7235, 7236, 7237, 7238, 7239, 7240, 7250, 7251, 7252, 7253, 7254, 7255, 7256 or in a diagram in Schedule 7 (other than diagrams 2032, 2130, 2208, 2708, 2711, 2712, 2713, 2714, 2715, 2922, 2923 and 2932) shall be of such dimensions as, having regard to the character of the road and the speed of the vehicular traffic generally using it, are necessary to accommodate any place name, route symbol or number, arrow, indication of distance, symbol or any other indication which, in accordance with these Regulations, may be shown on the sign and which it is appropriate to show for the purpose for which that sign is placed on the road.

(9) Any sign shown in a diagram in Part III of Schedule 12 shall be of such dimensions as, having regard to the character of the road and the speed of traffic generally using it, are necessary to accommodate the route symbols or arrows appropriate to the number of traffic lanes and the nature of the road works in relation to which the sign is placed.

(10) Any dimension (not being an angle or specified as a maximum or minimum) specified in these Regulations shall be treated as permitted by these Regulations if it is varied in accordance with the following Tables, subject, in the case of Tables 1 and 2, to the Notes to those Tables.

(11) Any variation of any angle specified in any diagram in Schedule 1, 6 or 8, except diagrams 1043 and 1044, shall be treated as permitted by these Regulations if the variation does not exceed 5 degrees.

(12) Where—

(a)overall dimensions are given for a sign shown in any diagram in the Schedules to these Regulations; and

(b)the legend on that sign is varied in accordance with regulation 17 and with item 4 of the table appearing under or beside that diagram,

the overall dimensions or the number of lines filled by the legend, or both, may be varied so far as necessary to give effect to the variation of the legend.