UK Road Cone Laws
General Legal Questions
Yes, traffic cones are regulated under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) and BS EN 13422 standards.
Source: TSRGD 2016 - UK Gov
Yes, placing cones on public highways without authority is illegal and may result in penalties or removal.
Source: Highways Act 1980
Local councils, contractors working under license, and emergency services can legally place cones on public roads.
Source: Street Works Licence - GOV.UK
No, reserving public parking spaces with cones without permission is unlawful in the UK.
Source: Highway Code UK
Yes, cones must comply with British Standard BS EN 13422 for road use to be considered legal.
Source: British Standards Institution
Yes, under UK law, traffic cones are classified as temporary traffic signs with legal significance.
TSRGD stands for Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions — the main legislation covering traffic signs and cones.
Yes, fines or fixed penalty notices can be issued for placing cones unlawfully on public roads.
Yes, police and local authorities have the right to remove unauthorized cones obstructing public access.
Yes, on private land or roads not maintained by councils, you can place cones with the landowner’s permission.
Roadwork and Construction Laws
Yes, traffic cones must be used to demarcate safe zones and guide traffic during roadworks.
Contractors must apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) or permit from the highway authority.
Yes, even minor works like pothole repairs require cones to warn and direct traffic.
Yes, reflective sleeves are mandatory for cones used at night or in low visibility conditions on public roads.
Spacing depends on speed limits; generally 3–9 metres apart, based on Chapter 8 guidance.
Yes, on high-speed roads or critical areas, warning lamps may be required with cones during night works.
Yes, provided they are still in good condition and meet reflectivity and size standards.
Local councils, highway authorities, and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforce cone use at worksites.
Yes, failure to use cones properly may invalidate insurance in case of accidents at work zones.
Yes, emergency services use cones for immediate closures during accidents or hazardous events.
Parking Laws and Cones
Yes, event organisers can use cones to guide parking flow, usually on private property or with council approval.
No, on public streets, cones cannot legally block parking without permission.
Unauthorized obstruction may lead to fines of up to £1000 under the Highways Act.
Yes, cones may temporarily mark reserved disabled spaces during events or maintenance, with proper authorisation.
Yes, private landowners can use cones freely within their own property or car parks.
Yes, local authorities often use cones temporarily for parking restrictions during maintenance or public events.
Only on private property. Public driveways