South Ayrshire Council

Temporary Traffic Signals, Signs and Orders

Temporary Traffic Signals

Temporary traffic lights are used on roads to control vehicular traffic in a safe manner when there is some form of temporary restriction on the road. In most situations temporary traffic signals are placed on roads by Utility companies or their contracts to allow for the safe repair or installation of pipes and cables.

A temporary traffic signal permit must be obtained from South Ayrshire Council before temporary traffic lights can be placed on the Council’s road network. The A77 and A78 trunk roads are not part of the Council road network. The permit must be kept on site for the duration the signals are in place.

Application for a temporary traffic signal permit must be made at least 7 working days before the temporary signals are required. The fees are detailed in the table below. There is no fee for Utility companies where the temporary signals are located at a site where there is no junction carrying vehicular traffic to and from it; and the width of the carriageway is temporarily restricted so as to carry one line of traffic.

Temporary Traffic Signal (portable light signal) Permit	Minimum advance period of notice required	Maximum period of permit	Application Fee
	7 days	Up to 30 days	£75
	7 days	Up to 90 days	£150

Temporary Direction Signs to Housing Developments and Special Events

Temporary traffic signs may be erected for a limited period to guide traffic going to new housing developments or special events, such as major sporting events or special exhibitions. Permission from South Ayrshire Council must be obtained before any temporary signing is provided within the Council road network.

The purpose of these signs is to direct traffic, not to advertise a development or an event. These signs will not be permitted on a route where there is an already permanent local direction or tourist signs to the site or where there is inadequate parking.

The various types of permits are shown in the table below along with the minimum period of notice required for the Council to approve the permit, and the appropriate fee.

Type of event to be signed	Minimum advance notice required	Maximum period of signing	Application Fee
Major sporting event or exhibition.	30 days	30 days	£60
		Up to 90 days	£150
New housing development	30 days	Up to 12 months	£300

Temporary Traffic Restrictions and Road Closures

Where it is necessary for safety or operational reasons to impose temporary restrictions on vehicular movement or parking, the Council can issue a Notice or promote a temporary Order (TTRO) to do so. Types of restrictions can include parking restrictions, prohibition of specified turns, speed limit restrictions and road closures.

The various types of restrictions are shown in the table below along with the minimum period of notice required for the Council to promote the restriction, and the appropriate fee.

Type of Temporary Traffic Regulation Order or Notice	Minimum advance period of notice required	Maximum duration of restriction	Application Fee
Emergency TRO	N/A	21 days	£250
5 Day Notice	1 weeks	5 days	£325
Temporary Traffic Regulation Order	4 Weeks	18 months	£475 + Advert cost