Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Traffic Signs Manual Vol 1
Traffic Signs Manual Vol 1
Traffic Signs Manual Vol 1
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
Place identification signs
G22.1 Place identification sign, entry G22.2 Place identification sign, exit
e pCCC
No temporary
version
e pCCC
No temporary
version
Temporary guidance signs
G31 Diversion ahead G32 Diverted traffic
Temporary sign
only
Temporary
sign only
)+] )E
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 26
D.8 INFORMATION SIGNS
D.8.1 Purpose and Use
Information signs serve one of several purposes:
To mark special facilities or restrictions
To give information about services and facilities ahead, such as parking places, lay-
bys, picnic areas, telephones, etc.
Information signs for service facilities may have an additional panel showing direction (by
means of an arrow) or distance. Such panels shall have a blue background, white border and
white arrow or text.
D.8.2 Siting and Sizes
The siting and sizes are described individually for each sign in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
D.8.3 Schedule of Information Signs
The schedule contains the name, reference number and a small picture of each sign. The
detailed design and use of each sign is described in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
Road and traffic
I01 Pedestrian crossing I02 Hump
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I03 No through road I04 Parking
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I05 Bus stop I06 Priority over oncoming vehicles
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I07 One Way Road I08 Police control
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I09 Start of extra lane I10 End of extra lane
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 27
Service facilities and places of interest
I21 Hospital I22 First aid
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I23 Telephone I24 Information
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I25 Filling station I26 Workshop
2 km
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I27 Refreshments I28 Restaurant
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I29 Hotel I30 Rest area
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
I31 Camp site I32 Airport
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
Tourist attractions
I51 Tourist attraction Example Tourist attraction Woodland
+ ^ e +
e 4 e `
No temporary
version
No temporary
version
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 28
D.9 SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES
D.9.1 Purpose and Use of Supplementary Plates
Supplementary plates give additional information or clarify the message given by the main
signs. They are mostly used with regulatory or warning signs, and never used on their own.
Supplementary plates are normally mounted below the primary sign leaving a gap of 75mm
between them. However, they can also be combined on a grey backing board (see Figure
D.3).
There are three main groups of supplementary plates:
The first group shows distances and directions to e.g. a hazard or a regulation
The second group shows which vehicle category the message on the main sign applies to
The third group gives additional text information to the message on the main sign.
D.9.2 Sizes and Design Principles
D.9.2.1 Text-based Supplementary Plates
Text-based supplementary plates are designed according to the same principles as guidance
signs. The text shall be in lower case with initial capitals. The normal lettering sizes are set
out in the table below.
Traffic speed
x-height
(mm)
1)
Capital letter
height (mm)
Up to and including 50 km/h 50 70
Over 50 km/h and up to and including 80 km/h 75 105
Over 80 km/h 90 126
1) x-height = the height of the letter x in lower case
Table D.7 Lettering size on text-based supplementary plates
The letter heights prescribed in Table D7 are for signs that need to be read from a moving
vehicle. Smaller sizes may be used on signs that are read from a stationary position (such as
those giving details of parking restrictions) but the x-height should not be less than 20mm.
The size of the supplementary plate may be adjusted to improve the appearance of the sign
assembly. Avoid having supplementary plates which are wider than the main sign.
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 29
D.9.3 Schedule of Supplementary Plates
The schedule contains the name, reference number and a small picture of each sign. The
detailed design and use of each sign is described in Appendix 3 (Volume 2).
Distances and direction
S01 Distance to hazard or regulation S02 Extension of hazard or regulation
Temporary
Temporary
S03 Direction in which message applies
Temporary
Vehicle categories
S11 Vehicle category for which message
applies bus
S12 Vehicle category for which message
applies truck
Temporary
Temporary
S13 Vehicle category for which message
applies car
S14 Vehicle category for which message
applies motorcycle
Temporary
Temporary
Text information
S21.1 Variable text message one line S21.2 Variable text message two lines
e ]EE
e ]EE
Temporary
E]]O4
p4 ]
E]]O4
p4 ]
Temporary
S21.3 Variable text message three lines
E]]O4
p4 ]
C - 4CE)
E]]O4
p4 ]
C - 4CE)
Temporary
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 30
D.10 SIGN MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE
D.10.1 Sign Standards
Section 5400 of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications General
Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under preparation) sets out detailed standards for
the manufacture and installation of traffic signs alongside and over the carriageway. Strict
adherence to these standards will ensure that the signs are of good quality and will have an
acceptable working life. This section of the Traffic Signs Manual contains general advice on
sign materials and manufacture, but in all cases the General Specifications take precedence.
The components of a traffic sign are:
sign face
sign plate
sign support frame
sign post
D.10.2 Sign Face Materials
It is recommended that all traffic signs, permanent and temporary, be fully reflectorised by
making the sign face from retroreflective sheeting. This is a special type of reflective material
that reflects light back to the light source, which in this case is the vehicle headlight. For
simplicity the sheeting will be referred to hereafter as reflective sheeting. All parts of the sign
face except those coloured black must be made of reflective sheeting, so that the sign looks
the same in both day and night.
There are various grades of reflective sheeting available, each providing different levels of
retroreflectivity when viewed under standard conditions. There are big differences in price.
The General Specifications require that High Intensity Grade be used, and this is defined by
reference to standards used in the United States. The contractor must submit sign specifica-
tions, test certificates, and warranties, as required in the General Specifications. The warranty
must say that, if the retroreflective performance of the sign falls below a specified minimum
during the warranty period, the sheeting manufacturer will replace the sign or restore it to its
original performance. This is the best way of ensuring that the signs will be of proper quality.
Coloured areas should preferably be made from sheeting of the appropriate colour or by
applying coloured overlay film onto white sheeting. The use of inks or paints is not
recommended, as this gives inferior performance. Symbols or letters coloured black shall
preferably be made from black non-reflective overlay film. Film and sheeting shall come from
the same manufacturer and be applied in accordance with their instructions.
It is important to use standard colours on traffic signs, though the small variations that occur
between sheeting from different manufacturers are permissible. The colours of the sheeting
shall conform to the colour specification limits (chromaticity co-ordinates) set out in ASTM
D4956.
D.10.3 Sign Plate
Aluminium alloy sheet is the preferred material, because of its resistance to corrosion.
However, it is expensive. Cheaper alternatives are galvanised steel, plastic-coated steel, or
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 31
steel treated with primer. The cleaning and preparation of steel plates needs to be of a very
high standard, but even then there will always be a risk that the plate will corrode around the
bolt holes or places where the coating has been damaged. With all materials, proper cleaning
and degreasing is essential to ensure good adhesion of the sheeting. The back of the sign plate
shall be painted grey, and the sign manufacturers name and the date of manufacture shall be
permanently marked on it.
D.10.4 Sign Support Frame and Fastenings
All sign plates, with the exception of very small ones, need to be stiffened so as to prevent
them from being deformed by wind pressure, minor collisions, or attack by vandals. This is
normally done by riveting the sign plate to a back support frame made of angle iron or
aluminium sections. It is essential that all frames, brackets, clips, rivets, nuts, bolts and
washers be corrosion-proofed if not made of aluminium or stainless steel. The frames and
brackets shall then be painted grey. The method of fixing to the post shall be as shown on the
scheme drawings or be as approved by the engineer in charge of the scheme.
D.10.5 Sign Post
Sign posts will normally be made of galvanised steel tube set in concrete foundations.
D.10.6 Checklist of Sign Supply Requirements
It is recommended that contractors be asked to provide the following information and items
before manufacturing and supplying signs:
name of sign manufacturer and sheeting manufacturer
retroreflective performance of the sheeting, as determined by a reputable laboratory
letter of warranty, endorsed by the sheeting manufacturer, specifying the minimum
retroreflective performance at the end of the warranty period (the warranty should be
specific to the contract)
a sample of the reflective sheeting for each colour and grade to be used
a sample sign
details of the sign plate stiffening and fastenings (unless included in the drawings)
a written declaration that the signs to be supplied will meet all the requirements of the
specifications.
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 32
D.11 MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS
D.11.1 General
A high standard of maintenance of signs, signals and road markings is essential if they are to
fulfil their purpose. It is a waste of money to provide signs and then to allow them to lose
their effectiveness by subsequent deterioration. Signs that use High Intensity Grade sheeting
and are well-made should perform acceptably for at least 7 years.
All signs and markings should be inspected at regular intervals both by day and night. They
should be renewed as necessary. Signs become less effective not only when characters or
colouring deteriorate, but also when dirty or damaged, or displaced as a result of accidents or
vandalism. Damaged or dirty signs lessen road users respect for the signs. Regular cleaning
of all signs is essential.
It is not possible to recommend suitable renewal intervals for markings as these will depend
very much on the type of line, the material comprising the marking and on the road traffic
conditions. Nevertheless a carriageway marking maintenance programme should be adopted
to keep the road markings under constant review to ensure that the markings are maintained to
a high state of effectiveness at all times, particularly on heavily trafficked roads.
Markings should be renewed or re-laid when they have been removed or damaged by road-
works. New surfaces should preferably be allowed to settle and harden up for a few weeks
before applying markings. Arrangements should be made to protect road studs during surface
dressing operations.
D.11.2 Maintenance Regime
D.11.2.1 Record Keeping and Inspection
The key to good maintenance is proper record-keeping and regular inspection. An inventory
of markings, signs, and other road furniture is helpful. In addition to a description of the item
and its location, it can usefully include installation and inspection dates, and repair details.
The inventory number should be painted on the back of the sign plate.
Inspections should be made at least twice a year, preferably after routine cleaning has been
done. The things to look for are:
signs that are missing or in the wrong location
signs that are pointing the wrong way or are tilting
signs that are hidden by trees or bushes
posts that are loose in their foundations
sign plates that are loose
corrosion of sign plates and posts
accident or other damage
flaking or faded sign faces and painted surfaces
poorly reflecting sign faces (best checked at night)
worn or faded road markings.
Keep good records of the faults that are found and the action taken.
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 33
D.11.2.2 Cleaning
Signs should be cleaned at least twice a year, and priority should be given to low-mounted
signs. Cut back any long grass, bushes or tree branches which hide the sign face. Use water
and a mild detergent to wash the sign and take care not to scratch the surface. Rinse the sign
in clean water to remove all traces of detergent. Road tar can be cleaned off with petrol or
white spirit, but be careful not to dissolve the paint, and rinse well afterwards.
D.11.2.3 Repairs
Minor repairs and repainting can be done on-site. Repainting should only be done in dry
weather and after proper preparation of the surface. Do not apply paint to reflective sheeting,
because this will make it non-reflective. Similarly, do not use ordinary road paint on reflec-
torised road markings.
D.11.2.4 Storage and Transport of Signs
Signs are expensive. Always store them where they cannot be damaged. Stack them
vertically, if possible, and put sheets of cardboard or thick paper between them to prevent the
sign faces from getting scratched. Take care when loading signs on and off trucks, and do not
allow them to bounce around while being transported.
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 34
E. ROAD MARKINGS
E.1 PURPOSE AND CLASSIFICATION OF ROAD MARKINGS
The purpose of road markings is to control, warn, or guide road users. They may be used to
supplement other traffic signs or they may be used alone. Their major advantage is that they
can give a continuing message to the driver. Thus they can be used to guide drivers in the
correct positioning of their vehicles so that the traffic flows smoothly and safely. Some help
clarify or emphasise the meaning of other signs. Improved road marking is often the most
cost-effective solution to traffic and accident problems.
The markings have the limitation that they get covered up by dirt, and they wear away quite
quickly on heavily-trafficked roads. Nevertheless, they serve a very important function in
conveying to drivers information and requirements which might not otherwise be possible by
post-mounted signs.
Where traffic congestion occurs, extensive use of road markings is essential to ensure that full
use is made of the available road space. In particular, widespread use of lane markings is
desirable; by enhancing lane discipline they add to the safety of traffic, besides improving
traffic flows. And at intersections road markings can be very useful in showing drivers where
to stop and look.
It is strongly recommended that road markings be considered in detail at the design stage of
new or improved intersections.
Road markings are classified as follows:
Longitudinal markings dividing lines, lane lines and edge lines
Transverse markings stop line, give way line and pedestrian crossings
Other markings arrows, restricted areas, text and symbols
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 35
E.2 LONGITUDINAL MARKINGS
Dividing (centre) lines
M01 Continuous dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line
M02 Double continuous dividing line
Two 100 mm wide yellow lines with 130 mm separation
M03 Broken dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line.
Urban areas: 3 m mark with 6 m gap. Rural areas: 4 m mark with 8 m gap
M04 Combination of continuous and broken dividing line
M01 and M03 with 130 mm separation
M05 Zig-Zag dividing line
100 mm wide yellow line.
Urban areas: 2 m mark with 150 mm gap
Lane lines
M11 Continuous lane line
100 mm wide white line
M12 Broken lane line
100 mm wide white line.
Urban areas: 3 m mark with 6 m gap. Rural areas: 4 m mark with 8 m gap
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 36
Edge lines
M21 Standard edge line
100 mm wide white line
M22 Continuity line
100 mm / 200 mm wide white line.
Urban areas and rural areas: 1 m mark with 1 m gap
M23 No parking line
100 mm wide yellow line
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 37
E.3 TRANSVERSE MARKINGS
M31 Stop line M32 Give way line
M33 Uncontrolled pedestrian crossing M34 Signal-controlled pedestrian crossing
M35 Hump
E.4 OTHER MARKINGS
Arrows
M41 Lane arrow ahead only
M42.1 Lane arrow left turn only M42.2 Lane arrow right turn only
M43.1 Lane arrow ahead or left turn M43.2 Lane arrow ahead or right turn
M44.1 Diverge arrow ahead of left turn lane M44.2 Diverge arrow ahead of right turn lane
M45.1 Deflecting arrow - left M45.2 Deflecting arrow - right
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 38
Restricted areas
M51 Chevron marking merging M52 Chevron marking diverging
Direction
of travel
Direction
of travel
M53 Traffic island marking between
opposing directions
Text and symbols
M61 Give way marking M62 Text marking - STOP
M63 Speed limit marking
Parking
M71 Parking bay
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 39
E.5 MARKING MATERIALS
E.5.1 Road Marking Standards
Section 5500 of the General Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under preparation)
sets out detailed standards for the manufacture and application of road markings. Strict
adherence to these standards will help ensure that the marking performs well for an acceptable
period. This section of the Traffic Signs Manual contains general advice on road marking
materials and application, but in all cases the General Specifications take precedence.
Road marking requires special equipment and skills, and is best done by a contractor who
specialises in this activity. The quality of the road marking will be very dependent on the skill
and experience of the contractors staff.
It is important with all road marking work to give careful attention to surface preparation,
setting out, and testing of the equipment. Templates should be used for arrows, symbols,
words and other complicated shapes.
E.5.2 Road Paint
The paint used for road markings should be manufactured specially for this purpose. It should
be quick-drying, durable and have good skid resistance. The paint is normally applied by a
spray machine, but some markings are easier to do with a brush. When ordering road paint the
proposed method of application must be specified to ensure that the correct type of paint is
supplied.
E.5.3 Thermoplastic
Hot-applied thermoplastic is taking over from road paint as the preferred marking material.
The initial cost is higher than for paint, but it is far more durable, so it will usually be the
more cost-effective option. It can be sprayed or screeded onto the road surface. Transverse
lines, arrows, symbols, and words are most easily created by screeding. A high standard of
materials, equipment and workmanship is needed to produce good-quality markings.
E.5.4 Reflectorised Markings
Road markings should be reflectorised by the addition of reflecting glass beads. It is
important to ensure that the glass beads meet the specifications. With thermoplastic the beads
will normally be mixed into the material and more will be sprayed onto the top of the marking
whilst it is still molten. In the case of paint, the beads will be sprayed onto the paint before it
is dry.
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 40
E.6 REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS
E.6.1 Standards
Section 5500 of the General Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (under preparation)
sets out standards for the manufacture and installation of road studs. Modern road studs are
made of high-strength plastic and incorporate corner cube retroreflectors protected by an
abrasion-resistant glass or plastic lens. They are bonded to the road surface using epoxy resin
or other adhesive.
E.6.2 Purpose and Use of Road Markings
Reflective road studs can be very effective at night, but they are costly, and so are likely to be
used only where clear guidance at night is critical for safety or smooth traffic flow. Road
studs on dividing lines and lane lines must reflect a white light, though the body of the stud
should preferably be the same colour as the line marking. Table E.1 below indicates the
colour and spacing of reflective road studs for each of the main types of longitudinal road
marking. Note that the reflected light from the studs should be seen only by the traffic
approaching on the left-hand side of the road. This means that studs on edge lines and lane
lines should normally be one-sided (uni-directional).
Reflective road studs should not be used on transverse markings, as they could interfere with
stopping ability, and may be hazardous to two-wheeled vehicles.
Type of road marking
Colour shown by
stud
Spacing of road studs
(m)
Urban Rural
M01 Continuous dividing line White 6 6
M02 M04 Double dividing line White 6 6
M03 Broken dividing line White 18 24
M12 Broken lane line White 18 24
M21 Edge line Red
(Amber on edge lines
next to medians)
18 24
M22 Continuity line Green 3 3
Table E.1 Spacing of reflective road studs
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 41
F. TRAFFIC SIGNALS
F.1 PURPOSE AND CLASSIFICATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS
F.1.1 Purpose and Use
Traffic Signals are used for the control and direction of vehicles and pedestrians at:
Road intersections
Pedestrian crossings
Railway crossings.
A comprehensive guide to the design of signals installations is outside the scope of this
Manual. This section gives a general outline of what the signals practice should be, together
with advice on the siting and mounting of signal heads.
Traffic signals other than rail crossing signals should normally be used only on streets and
roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or lower. They can, exceptionally, be used on roads with
speed limits between 50 km/h and 70 km/h, provided the visibility is good, warning signs are
used, the right turns are fully protected (controlled by arrow signals) and at least one signal on
each high-speed approach is mounted overhead.
The signals must be visible from at least 70 metres away (or 110 metres if the traffic speed
exceeds 50 km/h). Warning sign W10 Traffic Signal must always be used where the
visibility is marginal, but do not install signals where the visibility on any approach is well
below these limits.
F.1.2 Schedule of Traffic Signals
The schedule contains the name, reference number and small pictures of each signal. Standard
design and use of each signal is described in the following sections.
TS01 Traffic signals
TS01.1
Standard signal
TS01.2 Arrow signals
TS02 Pedestrian
signals
TS03 Traffic signals at railway
crossings
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 42
F.2 TRAFFIC SIGNALS
F.2.1 General
The main reasons for installing traffic signals at intersections are to reduce conflicts and avoid
congestion. The signal installation should be designed to achieve safety and efficiency within
the available road space. Traffic signals are also used to control traffic at signal-controlled
pedestrian crossings.
F.2.2 Standard Design
Traffic signals consist of three lights mounted vertically. Red shall be on the top, amber in the
middle and green at the bottom.
Where it is necessary to control different traffic movements independently the plain lights
should be replaced by arrows. The arrows have the same meaning as the plain lights but they
apply only to the traffic proceeding in the direction indicated by the arrow. Arrows for
straight-on traffic should point upwards.
The use of a separate signal head with red, amber and green arrows gives very good control
and the signals are easily understood. A lane must be provided for the sole use of the traffic in
each direction shown by arrows. The lane should be marked with the appropriate lane arrow.
The green arrow gives drivers the right of way to move in that direction, so there should be no
conflicting traffic movements when the signal is lit.
The standard signal lens should have a diameter of 200 mm. At complicated intersections and
for overhead mounting the diameter should be increased to 300 mm.
Signal heads should be fitted with backing boards to make them more conspicuous. These
should be coloured black with a white border see Figure F.1.
200 mm
(300 mm)
Border: 35(50)
600 mm
(900) mm)
275 mm
(400 mm)
950 mm
(1400 mm)
Dimensions of the backing board may vary.
Figure F.1 Standard design of signals
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 43
F.2.3 Interpretation
The sequence of the signals will be red, green, amber, and then back to red. The interpretation
of the signal shall be as follows:
Red
A red signal means that traffic may not proceed.
Vehicles shall not pass the stop line, or, if there is no stop line, shall
not pass beyond the signal, or, if the signal is placed after the inter-
section, shall not enter the intersection or move onto a pedestrian
crossing at that intersection.
Green
A green signal means that traffic may proceed in any direction
unless such movement is prohibited by a regulatory sign.
However, the driver is not authorised to proceed if traffic is so
congested that by entering the intersection they would probably not
have passed it before the signal turns red again.
Amber
An amber signal, appearing alone, means a vehicle must stop, unless
it is so close to the stop line or signal that it cannot stop safely.
Table F.1 Interpretation of traffic signals at intersections
F.2.4 Positioning and Mounting
There should be at least two signals visible on each approach to the intersection a primary
signal and a secondary signal. Where separate signalling of turning movements is used this
advice applies to the approach lane(s) associated with each turning movement. One signal
post can then display information for more than one turning movement.
The primary signal should be located at the left-hand side of the road at a minimum distance
of 1 metre beyond the stop line (refer to Figures 5 and 6 in Appendix 2 (Volume 2)). Where
there are two or more approach lanes a second primary signal should be installed at the right-
hand side on a traffic island (refer to Figure 6 in Appendix 2 (Volume 2). The secondary
signal gives the same information as the primary signal but is sited beyond the primary signal
and preferably within the drivers direct line of sight (it can be displaced up to a maximum of
30
0
from the direct line of sight). The distance between the stop line and the secondary signal
should not exceed 50 metres. At large, complicated intersections, and on high-speed roads, it
is advisable for the secondary signals to be mounted overhead on mast arms.
Make sure that the drivers view of the signals is not blocked by trees, lighting columns, bus
shelters, parked vehicles, or other obstructions.
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Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 44
A driver in a hurry at the stop line may start off early if he can see that the signals on the other
approaches are changing to red. This can be dangerous. To avoid this, site the signals where
they cannot be seen from other approaches, or fit long hoods over the signal lights.
If two signal-controlled intersections are close to each other there is a risk that a driver who is
not concentrating will see through the first set of signals and will act on the information
given by the second set of signals. This can be dangerous if the signals are not linked and are
running on a different sequence. To avoid this problem try and realign the second set of
signals or fit hoods, so they cannot be seen from the previous intersection.
The lights should be mounted in a black housing and should be protected from direct sunlight
by visors. Black backing boards help make the signals more visible against light backgrounds.
Signals for right-turn traffic shall be mounted to the right of signals for straight-on traffic,
and, similarly, those for left-turn traffic should be on the left. The base of the signal housing
should be not less than 2.1 metres above ground level, in order to leave free passage for
pedestrians. Increase this to 2.3 metres where cyclists are present. There should be a
minimum clearance of 5.0 metres between the carriageway and any part of a signal that is
mounted overhead.
F.2.5 Signal Control Methods and Timings
The aim in designing signal installations is to maximise capacity (minimise overall delay)
while maintaining a high degree of safety. It is important to keep as much traffic moving as
practicable at the same time. Detailed advice on signal control is outside the scope of this
Manual but some of the guiding principles are:
Use the lowest practicable number of stages (changes) in the signal cycle (complete
sequence of stages)
The signal cycle should preferably not exceed 120 seconds
Ensure that each approach is capable of carrying the maximum predicted traffic flow
Ensure that the time allocated to each stage is appropriate to the actual traffic flow (a
control system that can automatically vary the duration of the green signal according to
actual traffic flow is highly desirable on both efficiency and safety grounds)
If appropriate, link adjacent sets of signals so that groups of vehicles can pass through the
intersections without stopping
The duration of the amber signal should normally be 3 seconds
The intergreen period (the period between the end of the green signal for one approach
and the start of the green signal for a conflicting approach) must be sufficient to enable
vehicles to clear the intersection safely it is normally a minimum of 4 seconds but it
should be extended at large intersections or on high-speed approaches note however
that long intergreen periods are wasteful and may be abused by drivers
It is highly desirable for right-turn movements to be fully controlled (called a protected
right turn) by means of separate signals (green arrow and, if possible, red and amber
arrows)
When green arrow signals are lit drivers should be able to proceed in the direction of the
arrow without having to merge or give way to conflicting traffic streams.
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 45
Drivers must not be permitted to turn left when the main signal is on red, unless there is a
green arrow signal that allows them to do so.
F.3 PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
F.3.1 General
Pedestrian signals are used in combination with traffic signals at pedestrian crossings within
intersections or at separate pedestrian crossings. The signals may be activated automatically
by the intersection signal controller, or by the pedestrian pushing a button to indicate to the
controller his wish to cross.
F.3.2 Standard Design
The signals shall be arranged vertically with the red signal at the top and the green at the
bottom. The lights can be either a red/green man on black background or a white man on
red/green background
The signal lens should have a diameter of 200 mm. At complicated intersections and at
intersections with many pedestrians the diameter can be increased to 300 mm.
200 (300)
Figure F.2 Alternative designs of pedestrian signals
F.3.3 Interpretation
The signal sequence for pedestrians is red, green and flashing green. The interpretation of the
signal shall be as follows:
Red Standing Man Green Walking Man Flashing Green Man
Do not cross the road Cross the road with care The signal is about to turn to
Red. Do not start to cross the
road.
Table F.2 Interpretation of pedestrian signals
Government of Uganda
Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications
Traffic Signs Manual, Volume 1 July 2004 Page 46
It is desirable for pedestrian signals to be fitted with an audible signal that sounds when the
green signal is lit. This is to help blind and partially-sighted pedestrians.
F.3.4 Positioning and Mounting
A pedestrian signal is normally mounted on the same post as the traffic signal. The signals
must face across the road so that the signal can be clearly seen by pedestrians. A typical
installation is illustrated in Figure 8 in Appendix 2 (Volume 2).
Minimum vertical clearances from the carriageway shall not be less than 2.1 m and not more
than 2.6 m.
F.4 TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS
F.4.1 General
This signal is used to control vehicle traffic at railway level crossings. It is recommended that
this signal, together with gates or barriers, be used at all rail crossings. The diameter of the
signal lamps must be at least 200 mm, but 300 mm diameter lamps are preferred. The flashing
red lights may be supplemented by a sound signal. A stop line must be marked on the road to
indicate to drivers where to stop when the red lights are flashing.
F.4.2 Standard Design
Traffic signals at railway crossings consist of two red flashing lights mounted horizontally.
The lights must flash alternately, i.e. when one red light is on, the other must be off.
A signal which flashes white when the railway crossing is open to traffic may be added. This
also indicates to drivers that the light signal is working.
200 min
Figure F.3 Standard design of traffic signals at railway crossings
F.4.3 Positioning and Mounting
The signal will be positioned within 5 - 10 metres of the nearest rail line and where it can
easily be seen by drivers halted at the stop line. It can be at the left hand side of the road, but
it may be more visible if it is mounted above the carriageway. Where it is necessary to make
the signal more prominent (such as on a left-hand bend) a second signal may be positioned on
the right hand side of the road.
Traffic Signs Manual Vol.1 FINAL