waiting at temporary road works

[murvic]

I have been told that there is a time limit as to how long you can be held up at road works with temporary traffic lights/man with a stop and go sign.  Can anybody confirm this and where the rule is laid down.

[Ward-Minter]

 

The time is set by the local Highways Dept and not set in statute within the Road Traffic Act. Therefore, the police have no say in the matter regarding time etc. However, jumping the red light or contravening parking regs etc will still be enforcable (Contradiction or what?). The time for the lights is merely stated "As must be reasonable in the prevailing road circumstance without causing 'unnecessary' delay" Vague I know!!

[sddsddean]

I work inside road works most of the time and I know it is frustrating (especially whan I come by in the truck with my flashing lights going and sail into the roadworks!), but we try to keep delays as short as possible. Sometimes we have to hold the traffic for 5 minutes or more, but it is all done for safety. Of course, it always happens when you are in a hurry and it always seems like you have been waiting hours! Please try and be patient; we're doing our best!

[murvic]

Thanks .  I'm a patient person so 5 minutes is no problem, 10 minutes I start to wonder what's happening but when it got to 15 minutes the other day I just gave up.  (It wasn't lights either but a board).

[dickwort]

Only 3 people are legally allowed to stop you in your vehicle. 1. A police officer. 2. A traffic Warden and 3. A schools crossing patrol warden. You dont have to legally stop at all for a workman holding a stop go sign, lights are a different matter though.

[sddsddean]

Yes you do. Thats why they have changed the 'Stop' lollipop to an octagonal picture, exactly the same as that used on junctions. Trust me, if you don't stop, your number will be taken and you will get a fixed penalty notice.