Basically it means that it will be unlawful to place on the market i.e. not just install fixed, vertical road traffic signs, where conformity has not been demonstrated by way of a CE mark.
Which fixed vertical signs are applicable to CE marking under BS EN 12899-1; 2007?
Section 64 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA) 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 –
(a) Specified by regulations made by the Ministers acting jointly, or
(b) Authorised by the Secretary of State
Paragraph (2) goes on to say that traffic signs shall be of the size, colour and type prescribed in regulations.
Any such device erected on a road is a traffic sign and is governed by section 64. Case law has established that any road to which the public has access, including roads in car parks, motorway services, airports (landside but not airside) etc. is a road for the purposes of RTRA
BS EN 12899 applies to “Fixed, vertical road traffic signs”, so does not apply to portable signs. Other standards, e.g. 12966, apply to VMS and other types of traffic sign not within the scope of BS EN 12899.
Interestingly, the scope of BS EN 12899 says the main intended use of fixed signs is for the instruction and guidance of road users “on public and private land”.
This implies demonstrating conformity by way of CE marking and is applicable to permanent traffic signs arguably even if erected on roads to which the public does not have access. The Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management has produced a guidance note on specifying permanent traffic signs. This is available on their website www.artsm.org.uk and includes a helpful checklist. It would be prudent for signmakers and installers to consider this checklist very carefully
Specifying to BS EN 12899‐1 Fixed signs
There are issues to be considered by purchaser when more than one supplier is used for a sign assembly as a) signs can be ordered direct from sign manufacturer, b) posts from depot stock from a different supplier and c) luminaires can also be bought direct from luminaire manufacturer or different supplier
Product Manufacturers conformity of components requires
Sign face – requires post detail & wind loading
Posts / supports – requires sign area etc.
Luminaires & arms – Manufacturer declares conformity of unit for sign size and shape
Furthermore, if using sub-contractor, make sure they are aware of EN 12899!
Actions for sign manufacturer before placing product on the market.
Below is a demonstration of CE marking that will need to be applied to the sign in order to conform with BS EN 12899-1 Fixed Signs
Where a sign is installed on an existing post, the sign can be CE marked but clearly the post cannot.
The Purchaser is responsible for post being structurally suitable. The Purchaser advises sign manufacturer of post details & wind loading for designs, sign substrate / channels to structurally conform. In the majority of cases, the Purchaser will be the sign company buying the sign. If the sign company is making the sign, they will have to comply with all the requirements themselves.
Signs and devices that fall outside the scope of BS EN 12899-1;2007 are generally covered by other European Standards. Most of those that aren’t will be found in BS8442.
BS 8442 Miscellaneous road traffic signs & devices
Specifies requirements and tests for rigid and flexible portable signs, barriers, self-supporting portable signs, stop/go signs, school crossing patrol signs, flap signs, flat traffic delineators, pedestrian crossing and refuge beacons, internally illuminated posts, twin amber flashing light units, retro reflective self-righting bollards, and non-retro reflecting road studs.
Not all road traffic sign suppliers are yet compliant with the incoming legislation. BSGA Members William Smith of Barnard Castle www.williamsmith.co.uk is amongst those that are. Anyone supplying signs that are not CE marked and compliant will in effect be breaking the law.
For further detail please contact BSI www.bsigroup.com for copies of BS EN 12899;2007
European Sign Federation