Speed humps and speed ramps are both physical traffic calming measures but differ in their profile and the speed reduction they achieve. A speed hump has a rounded, raised profile that vehicles must slow significantly to cross comfortably, typically reducing speeds to around 5-10mph at the crossing point. Speed humps are placed across the full width of the carriageway or site road. A speed ramp has a flatter, more gradual profile that slows vehicles to around 15-25mph, making it more suitable for roads where vehicles need to reduce speed but not stop completely. For construction site internal roads where pedestrian interaction is high and vehicle speeds must be kept very low, full-width speed humps are the appropriate specification. For site access roads and car parks where a moderate speed reduction is sufficient, a ramp profile may be more practical.

The load rating required for a trench cover depends on the weight and type of vehicles that will cross it. Pedestrian-rated trench covers are designed for foot traffic only and must never be placed on vehicle routes. For light vehicle traffic such as cars and light vans, a cover rated to D400 or equivalent is the standard minimum. For heavy construction plant including dumpers, excavators, and delivery lorries, a higher load rating matched to the axle weights of the heaviest vehicles expected to cross is required. Using a pedestrian-rated or light-duty trench cover on a vehicle route is a serious safety risk as the cover can fail under vehicle loading, resulting in vehicle and plant falling into the excavation. Always check the load rating of the cover against the heaviest vehicle that could cross it before installation.

Warning lights are required in temporary traffic management schemes on the public highway during hours of darkness and in periods of reduced visibility under Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 requirements. On the public highway, cone-top lights are required on cones forming the lead-in taper and the longitudinal taper of the traffic management scheme after dark. Amber rotating or flashing beacons are required on construction plant and vehicles operating in or adjacent to traffic flow. On construction sites off the public highway, warning lights are required wherever there is a risk that the conspicuity of a hazard, barrier, or plant movement could be reduced in low-light conditions. All warning lights used in temporary traffic management must meet the photometric requirements specified in Chapter 8 and be maintained in working order throughout the works.

Hazard tape colour coding on construction sites follows the same general principle as safety sign colours. Red and white barrier tape is used to mark exclusion zones, danger areas, and areas where access is prohibited or strictly restricted due to an immediate safety hazard, such as open excavations, unstable structures, or areas where overhead work is in progress. Yellow and black hazard tape is used to mark general caution areas and hazards that require care but do not represent an immediate danger, such as trip hazards, edge markings, and areas where caution is advised. Both tape types are for temporary marking only and are not a substitute for physical barriers where there is a significant risk of a person falling into or entering a hazardous area. Barrier tape alone does not prevent entry and should always be supported by appropriate physical barriers where the hazard is serious.

CMT Group has been supplying traffic management equipment to UK construction and highways contractors for over 20 years. As a FORS Gold accredited and CLOCS committed organisation, we understand the road safety requirements of the construction and highways sector from the perspective of a fleet operator as well as a product supplier. Our range covers the full scope of site traffic management from warning lights, hazard tape, and mesh fencing through to speed humps, trench covers, safety walkways, and setting out pegs. 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.