WaSP operational guidance

NCT08a - shorthand text as per DfT statutory guidance document

Unless specified otherwise, Vehicle Actuation is the standard method of control at temporary or portable traffic signal sites.

NCT08a - AutoGreen/advanced detection

AutoGreen/Advance Detection/Control systems are an improvement on VA but cannot be considered a direct replacement for Manual Control. Its use should not be discouraged due to the efficiencies it brings, but the limitations of the equipment must be considered in any assessment. This form of traffic signal control is ideally suited to busier routes which would be 
considered traffic sensitive, but outside of an urbanised environment provided the limitations of the technology are not prohibitive to its effective use. It would be imperative in the use of 
the equipment that batteries are checked at least daily and in any case before the morning peak to ensure the equipment is operational during the time that it has most impact.

NCT08b - manual control - non standard times (specific times to be included here)

Manual control may be considered for specific or peak times. Manual Control is the presence of a competent traffic management operative on site during the times specified. This would 
usually be morning peak and evening peak, but may include additional parts of the day depending on local need (factory closing times for example). The NSG will give an indication of peak times but the times for manual control purposes will be specified within the permit. It is possible that agreed times may differ from NSG times due to events, other works, local incidents or proximity to features or amenities that may be impacted by the presence of the traffic signals. 

Specific reasoning may be explained upon approval for the use of the signals but the decision 
for instructing the method is the Highway Authorities prerogative due to its S59 duties. The requirements of the operative are that they are competent in the setup of the traffic signals equipment, are outside of the works vehicle, have immediate access to the control panel and are proactively assessing traffic conditions throughout the man-con specified times. 

The operative must be in a position to react to any build-up of congestion which has or may cause obstruction to the wider road network, and to ensure free movement through the site including the forcing of an all red stage to allow emergency access if necessary. The presence of an operative who is unqualified, ill-equipped, inappropriately dressed (not wearing correct high viz/ppe), positioned within a vehicle etc will be considered a failure to comply with the manual control requirements.

NCT08b - manual control - peak times (specific times to be included here)

Manual control is the presence of a competent traffic management operative on site during the times specified. This would usually be morning peak and evening peak, but may include 
additional parts of the day depending on local need (factory closing times for example).

The NSG will give an indication of peak times but the times for manual control purposes will be 
specified within the permit. It is possible that agreed times may differ from NSG times due to events, other works, local incidents or proximity to features or amenities that may be impacted 
by the presence of the traffic signals. Specific reasoning may be explained upon approval for the use of the signals but the decision for instructing the method is the Highway Authorities 
prerogative due to its S59 duties.

The requirements of the operative are that they are competent in the setup of the traffic signals equipment, are outside of the works vehicle, have immediate access to the control panel and are proactively assessing traffic conditions throughout the man-con specified times. The operative must be in a position to react to any build-up  of congestion which has or may cause obstruction to the wider road network, and to ensure free movement through the site including the forcing of an all red stage to allow emergency  access if necessary. The presence of an operative who is unqualified, ill-equipped, inappropriately dressed (not wearing correct high viz/ppe), positioned within a vehicle etc will be considered a failure to comply with the manual control requirements.

NCT08b - manual control - all day - (specific times to be included here)

Requirements as above but times will be specified as a start and end time. Due to the welfare of the operative, the undertaker/promoter must ensure appropriate cover is provided. Absence from site for any reason will be considered a failure to comply.

NCT08b - manual control with spotter

Requirements as above but more than one operative will be required. one or more operatives may be stationed on or proactively patrolling approaches or adjoining roads that cannot be seen by the main manual control operative. They must be able to maintain communications via two-way radio. Specifics of the requirement to be agreed via permit conditions.