Road Cones
Road cones are the most widely used traffic management product in the UK, providing lane delineation, hazard marking, and vehicle guidance at roadworks, construction sites, and temporary traffic management schemes. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of road cones including triangular cones, no waiting cones, 1 piece cones, 2 piece cones, and reflective sleeves and adhesives, covering the full range of cone specifications used in UK highways and construction operations.
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Road cones used in temporary traffic management on the public highway must comply with the specifications set out in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 and Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8. This includes requirements for minimum height, colour, retroreflective banding, and stability under wind loading. Using non-compliant cones on the public highway creates a liability risk and can result in enforcement action by the highway authority. CMT Group has been supplying road cones and traffic management equipment to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years.
- ✓ Triangular cones for directional guidance and pedestrian route management
- ✓ No waiting cones displaying the no waiting disc for parking restriction enforcement
- ✓ 1 piece cones in orange and red and white for standard traffic management applications
- ✓ 2 piece cones in 450mm, 750mm, and 1000mm heights for highway and site use
- ✓ Reflective sleeves for increasing cone visibility at night on the public highway
- ✓ Cone adhesive sprays for attaching reflective sleeves and signs to cone bodies
- ✓ Bulk supply available for traffic management contractors and project procurement
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Road Cone Specifications and Highway Compliance
Road cones used in temporary traffic management schemes on the public highway in the UK must comply with BS EN 13422, which specifies the material, dimensional, and retroreflective performance requirements for traffic delineating devices. The Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 further specifies the minimum cone heights required for different road speeds: 450mm cones for roads with a speed limit of 50mph or below, and 750mm or 1000mm cones for higher-speed roads.
Retroreflective banding on cones is mandatory for use during hours of darkness on the public highway. 1 piece cones typically have moulded-in retroreflective bands, while 2 piece cones use separately applied reflective sleeves that can be replaced when worn or damaged. All cones used in temporary traffic management must be maintained in good condition, with clear, undamaged retroreflective bands, and sufficient base weight to remain stable in wind without being restrained by ballast or cable ties, which are not a compliant substitute for correctly weighted bases.
Road Cones by Type
Our range covers the road cone types used across UK traffic management and construction site operations.
Choosing the Right Road Cone
The correct road cone for any application depends on the location, the speed of traffic, and whether the cones are to be used on the public highway or within a private site. For works on the public highway, cone type, height, and retroreflective specification must comply with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and BS EN 13422. For off-highway construction site use, the primary considerations are visibility, stability, and suitability for the surface and traffic conditions on site.
| Application | Cone type | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Highway up to 50mph, daytime | 450mm 2 piece cone | BS EN 13422 compliant; retroreflective bands |
| Highway over 50mph | 750mm or 1000mm 2 piece cone | Chapter 8 minimum height at higher speeds |
| Highway works after dark | 2 piece cone with reflective sleeves | Retroreflective banding mandatory at night |
| Construction site, off highway | 1 piece cone, any height | Visibility and stability for site conditions |
| Directional guidance and signing | Triangular cone with sign disc | Bidirectional sign face visibility |
| Temporary parking restriction | No waiting cone | No waiting disc universally recognised by drivers |
Road Cones Supplied Across the UK
Road cones are consumed in large quantities on active traffic management and construction operations, and maintaining an adequate stock of correctly specified cones in good condition is a fundamental operational requirement for any highways or site traffic management contractor. Worn, damaged, or non-compliant cones in a live traffic management scheme on the public highway create an enforcement risk and, more importantly, a road safety risk for drivers and workers.
CMT Group has been supplying road cones to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of cone specifications from standard 1 piece site cones through to highway 2 piece cones in all required heights, triangular and no waiting cones, and the reflective sleeves and adhesives needed to maintain cone compliance. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 1 piece and a 2 piece road cone?
A 1 piece cone is moulded from a single piece of polyethylene that incorporates both the cone body and the weighted base in a single unit. The retroreflective bands are typically moulded into the cone surface. 1 piece cones are robust, compact when stacked, and well suited to general site use and off-highway traffic management. A 2 piece cone has a separate cone body and a separate weighted rubber base. The two pieces fit together but can be separated for transport and storage, significantly reducing the stacked height compared to nested 1 piece cones. The separate base can be replaced independently if damaged without replacing the whole cone. 2 piece cones are the standard highway specification in the UK as the separate base design provides better stability compliance with BS EN 13422, and the cone body accepts standard retroreflective sleeves that can be replaced when they become worn or damaged.
What height road cone do I need on a 40mph road?
For a 40mph road, Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 specifies a minimum cone height of 450mm. This applies to all roads with a speed limit of 50mph or below. The 450mm height provides sufficient visibility for drivers at these speeds with adequate reaction time to respond to the cone line before reaching the works. For roads with a speed limit above 50mph, larger cones of 750mm or 1000mm height are required to provide the greater conspicuity needed at higher traffic speeds. Always refer to the Traffic Management Plan for the specific scheme, as the plan may specify a larger cone than the minimum for the location based on site-specific risk assessment.
Do road cones need reflective sleeves for daytime use?
Retroreflective banding is required on road cones used in temporary traffic management on the public highway at all times, including during the day, under BS EN 13422. The retroreflective bands must meet specified performance levels and must not be obscured, damaged, or removed. During the day, retroreflective bands still provide enhanced visibility of the cone in overcast, wet, and low-sun conditions, and are required as part of the highway-compliant cone specification regardless of whether lighting is a concern. For off-highway construction site use where the cones are not required to meet highway standards, cones without reflective bands are acceptable for daytime internal site traffic management, but cones with retroreflective bands are still preferred for visibility in all conditions.
What are no waiting cones used for?
No waiting cones display the no waiting disc symbol on the cone body to indicate a temporary no parking or no waiting restriction in a specific area. They are widely used by construction contractors to protect site entrances, loading areas, concrete pour access routes, and emergency vehicle access points from obstruction by parked vehicles. The no waiting disc is universally recognised by UK drivers as a prohibition on parking or waiting, making it an immediately effective communication method that does not require drivers to read a text message. No waiting cones are a practical and portable alternative to temporary no waiting signs on posts in situations where the restriction needs to be deployed and removed quickly as site activities require. They do not have the legal status of a formal traffic order but create a clear visual indication of a temporary restriction that most drivers will respect.
Why buy road cones from CMT Group?
CMT Group has been supplying road cones to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years. As a FORS Gold accredited and CLOCS committed organisation, we understand the road safety and compliance requirements that highway-grade cones must meet. Our range covers the complete specification from 1 piece site cones through to highway 2 piece cones in 450mm, 750mm, and 1000mm heights, plus triangular cones, no waiting cones, reflective sleeves, and cone adhesives. We supply in bulk quantities for project procurement and traffic management fleet replenishment. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
1 Piece vs 2 Piece Road Cones: Which Do You Need?
Both 1 piece and 2 piece road cones perform the same basic function of delineating vehicle routes and marking hazards, but they are better suited to different applications. 1 piece cones are more robust in the sense that the body and base cannot become separated, they are quick to pick up and place, and they stack compactly for transport. They are the practical choice for general construction site use, car park management, and off-highway traffic management where highway compliance is not required. They are available in a wide range of colours including orange, red and white, blue, and yellow, making them suitable for colour-coded site traffic management systems.
2 piece cones are the highway standard specification for temporary traffic management on the public highway. The separate weighted base provides better compliance with the stability requirements of BS EN 13422, the cone body accepts standard retroreflective sleeves, and the modular design means that a damaged base or damaged cone body can be replaced independently, reducing replacement costs over the operational life of the fleet. For traffic management contractors supplying Chapter 8 compliant schemes on the public highway, 2 piece cones in the appropriate height for the road speed limit are the only compliant specification. For site traffic management and off-highway applications, both 1 piece and 2 piece cones are suitable, and the choice is primarily one of cost and operational preference.
Shop Road Cones by Type
Road Cones
Road cones are the most widely used traffic management product in the UK, providing lane delineation, hazard marking, and vehicle guidance at roadworks, construction sites, and temporary traffic management schemes. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of road cones including triangular cones, no waiting cones, 1 piece cones, 2 piece cones, and reflective sleeves and adhesives, covering the full range of cone specifications used in UK highways and construction operations.
Read more Read less
Road cones used in temporary traffic management on the public highway must comply with the specifications set out in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 and Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8. This includes requirements for minimum height, colour, retroreflective banding, and stability under wind loading. Using non-compliant cones on the public highway creates a liability risk and can result in enforcement action by the highway authority. CMT Group has been supplying road cones and traffic management equipment to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years.
- ✓ Triangular cones for directional guidance and pedestrian route management
- ✓ No waiting cones displaying the no waiting disc for parking restriction enforcement
- ✓ 1 piece cones in orange and red and white for standard traffic management applications
- ✓ 2 piece cones in 450mm, 750mm, and 1000mm heights for highway and site use
- ✓ Reflective sleeves for increasing cone visibility at night on the public highway
- ✓ Cone adhesive sprays for attaching reflective sleeves and signs to cone bodies
- ✓ Bulk supply available for traffic management contractors and project procurement
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Road Cone Specifications and Highway Compliance
Road cones used in temporary traffic management schemes on the public highway in the UK must comply with BS EN 13422, which specifies the material, dimensional, and retroreflective performance requirements for traffic delineating devices. The Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 further specifies the minimum cone heights required for different road speeds: 450mm cones for roads with a speed limit of 50mph or below, and 750mm or 1000mm cones for higher-speed roads.
Retroreflective banding on cones is mandatory for use during hours of darkness on the public highway. 1 piece cones typically have moulded-in retroreflective bands, while 2 piece cones use separately applied reflective sleeves that can be replaced when worn or damaged. All cones used in temporary traffic management must be maintained in good condition, with clear, undamaged retroreflective bands, and sufficient base weight to remain stable in wind without being restrained by ballast or cable ties, which are not a compliant substitute for correctly weighted bases.
Road Cones by Type
Our range covers the road cone types used across UK traffic management and construction site operations.
Choosing the Right Road Cone
The correct road cone for any application depends on the location, the speed of traffic, and whether the cones are to be used on the public highway or within a private site. For works on the public highway, cone type, height, and retroreflective specification must comply with Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and BS EN 13422. For off-highway construction site use, the primary considerations are visibility, stability, and suitability for the surface and traffic conditions on site.
| Application | Cone type | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Highway up to 50mph, daytime | 450mm 2 piece cone | BS EN 13422 compliant; retroreflective bands |
| Highway over 50mph | 750mm or 1000mm 2 piece cone | Chapter 8 minimum height at higher speeds |
| Highway works after dark | 2 piece cone with reflective sleeves | Retroreflective banding mandatory at night |
| Construction site, off highway | 1 piece cone, any height | Visibility and stability for site conditions |
| Directional guidance and signing | Triangular cone with sign disc | Bidirectional sign face visibility |
| Temporary parking restriction | No waiting cone | No waiting disc universally recognised by drivers |
Road Cones Supplied Across the UK
Road cones are consumed in large quantities on active traffic management and construction operations, and maintaining an adequate stock of correctly specified cones in good condition is a fundamental operational requirement for any highways or site traffic management contractor. Worn, damaged, or non-compliant cones in a live traffic management scheme on the public highway create an enforcement risk and, more importantly, a road safety risk for drivers and workers.
CMT Group has been supplying road cones to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of cone specifications from standard 1 piece site cones through to highway 2 piece cones in all required heights, triangular and no waiting cones, and the reflective sleeves and adhesives needed to maintain cone compliance. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 1 piece and a 2 piece road cone?
A 1 piece cone is moulded from a single piece of polyethylene that incorporates both the cone body and the weighted base in a single unit. The retroreflective bands are typically moulded into the cone surface. 1 piece cones are robust, compact when stacked, and well suited to general site use and off-highway traffic management. A 2 piece cone has a separate cone body and a separate weighted rubber base. The two pieces fit together but can be separated for transport and storage, significantly reducing the stacked height compared to nested 1 piece cones. The separate base can be replaced independently if damaged without replacing the whole cone. 2 piece cones are the standard highway specification in the UK as the separate base design provides better stability compliance with BS EN 13422, and the cone body accepts standard retroreflective sleeves that can be replaced when they become worn or damaged.
What height road cone do I need on a 40mph road?
For a 40mph road, Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 specifies a minimum cone height of 450mm. This applies to all roads with a speed limit of 50mph or below. The 450mm height provides sufficient visibility for drivers at these speeds with adequate reaction time to respond to the cone line before reaching the works. For roads with a speed limit above 50mph, larger cones of 750mm or 1000mm height are required to provide the greater conspicuity needed at higher traffic speeds. Always refer to the Traffic Management Plan for the specific scheme, as the plan may specify a larger cone than the minimum for the location based on site-specific risk assessment.
Do road cones need reflective sleeves for daytime use?
Retroreflective banding is required on road cones used in temporary traffic management on the public highway at all times, including during the day, under BS EN 13422. The retroreflective bands must meet specified performance levels and must not be obscured, damaged, or removed. During the day, retroreflective bands still provide enhanced visibility of the cone in overcast, wet, and low-sun conditions, and are required as part of the highway-compliant cone specification regardless of whether lighting is a concern. For off-highway construction site use where the cones are not required to meet highway standards, cones without reflective bands are acceptable for daytime internal site traffic management, but cones with retroreflective bands are still preferred for visibility in all conditions.
What are no waiting cones used for?
No waiting cones display the no waiting disc symbol on the cone body to indicate a temporary no parking or no waiting restriction in a specific area. They are widely used by construction contractors to protect site entrances, loading areas, concrete pour access routes, and emergency vehicle access points from obstruction by parked vehicles. The no waiting disc is universally recognised by UK drivers as a prohibition on parking or waiting, making it an immediately effective communication method that does not require drivers to read a text message. No waiting cones are a practical and portable alternative to temporary no waiting signs on posts in situations where the restriction needs to be deployed and removed quickly as site activities require. They do not have the legal status of a formal traffic order but create a clear visual indication of a temporary restriction that most drivers will respect.
Why buy road cones from CMT Group?
CMT Group has been supplying road cones to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years. As a FORS Gold accredited and CLOCS committed organisation, we understand the road safety and compliance requirements that highway-grade cones must meet. Our range covers the complete specification from 1 piece site cones through to highway 2 piece cones in 450mm, 750mm, and 1000mm heights, plus triangular cones, no waiting cones, reflective sleeves, and cone adhesives. We supply in bulk quantities for project procurement and traffic management fleet replenishment. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
1 Piece vs 2 Piece Road Cones: Which Do You Need?
Both 1 piece and 2 piece road cones perform the same basic function of delineating vehicle routes and marking hazards, but they are better suited to different applications. 1 piece cones are more robust in the sense that the body and base cannot become separated, they are quick to pick up and place, and they stack compactly for transport. They are the practical choice for general construction site use, car park management, and off-highway traffic management where highway compliance is not required. They are available in a wide range of colours including orange, red and white, blue, and yellow, making them suitable for colour-coded site traffic management systems.
2 piece cones are the highway standard specification for temporary traffic management on the public highway. The separate weighted base provides better compliance with the stability requirements of BS EN 13422, the cone body accepts standard retroreflective sleeves, and the modular design means that a damaged base or damaged cone body can be replaced independently, reducing replacement costs over the operational life of the fleet. For traffic management contractors supplying Chapter 8 compliant schemes on the public highway, 2 piece cones in the appropriate height for the road speed limit are the only compliant specification. For site traffic management and off-highway applications, both 1 piece and 2 piece cones are suitable, and the choice is primarily one of cost and operational preference.
