This document is published by Highways England.

This document forms part of the works specification. It does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for applying all appropriate documents applicable to their contract.

This is a new document to provide the requirements for the provision of scheme billboards.

The assumptions made in GG 101 [Ref 1.N] apply to this document.

1.1 The national requirements for the provision of scheme billboards as set out in the National Application Annexes shall be followed.

1.2 This document shall be implemented forthwith on all schemes involving roadworks on the Overseeing Organisations’ motorway and all-purpose trunk roads according to the implementation requirements of  GG 101 [Ref 1.N].

1.3 The requirements contained in GG 101 [Ref 1.N] shall be followed in respect of activities covered by this document.

This document is published by Highways England. It is a new document replacing the provisions of the withdrawn CHE Memo 438/19.

This document forms part of the works specification. It does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for applying all appropriate documents applicable to their contract.

This National Application Annex gives the Highways England-specific requirements related to scheme billboards providing roadwork information to customers.

Highways England, as part of its customer service strategy PR101/15 2016 [Ref 1.I] has introduced customer service standards (CSSs) to challenge management and employees to meet the needs and expectations of our customers. Our customer service strategy identified that our customers want to trust what they are being told, feel in control and have stress-free journeys.

This scheme billboard CSS will encourage best practice and a consistent application of the existing guidance around provision of scheme information to customers as they experience any of Highways England's significant road works.

The document will mandate a consistent application of the provision of scheme information to customers as they travel through road works.

This document will address road user views raised within the Transport Focus report “Incidents and road works. A road user perspective” Incidents and Roadworks [Ref 2.I] which stated: “Road users felt that ‘advance notice’ road works information is important at the roadside, particularly for drivers who use a particular road regularly. Key requirements were felt to be:

Billboards do not provide directional information to customers on the motorway and all-purpose trunk road network. Instead they provide information about the roadworks taking place.

This document will also enable Highways England to demonstrate that it is listening and responding to customer concerns, and is now delivering roadworks in a way that better meets its customers' expectations.

The assumptions made in GG 101 [Ref 2.N] apply to this document.

E/1.1 This document shall be implemented on all significant schemes, as defined in 'Terms and definitions' in this document, on the Highways England motorway and all-purpose trunk roads according to the implementation requirements of DMRB GG 101 [Ref GG 101 [Ref 2.N].

E/1.2 To comply with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Part VIII, Chapter III, Section 220 UKPGA 1990/08 [Ref 4.N] express consent must be obtained from the local planning authority prior to installation of scheme billboards.

NOTE Planning advice can be sought by emailing the Highways England Spatial Planning team.

E/1.3 Billboards shall be in addition to the existing contract provision already included in the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) as “Information Boards” (Ref. MCHW [Do not use] [Ref 3.N])

E/1.4 Billboards shall communicate the following scheme information:

NOTE Installation of the billboards is outside the scope of this document.

E/1.5 Billboards shall be designed in accordance with Highways England's ' Guidance for our contractors [Ref 1.N].

E/1.6 Contractors shall check the 'Visual Identity' documentation for the most recent design guidance. An example can be found at Appendix E/A.

NOTE Billboards are not subject to the requirements of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions UKSI 2016/362 (TSRGD) [Ref 3.I] and Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 1 TSM Chapter 1 [Ref 4.I].

E/1.7 The billboard design shall be approved by the appropriate regional communications team prior to manufacture and installation.

NOTE 1 Early engagement with regional communications manager and creative team is essential to allow for the use of the most up to date billboard design guidance to be used.

NOTE 2 Appendix E/A.4 provides the suggested approval process for billboards design.

E/1.8 One billboard shall be located as close as possible to the start of the main scheme traffic management.

E/1.8.1 The need for duplicate billboards should be identified and assessed at all entry points to the scheme where a significant number of customers are joining the scheme, and so not had the opportunity to see the billboard at the start of the scheme.

E/1.8.2 Billboards should not be positioned within the works area.

E/1.9 All billboards shall be visible and legible to customers and not be obstructed by infrastructure or vegetation.

E/1.10 Billboards shall be erected prior to commencement of the scheme.

E/1.10.1 The erection of billboards should be at least four weeks prior to commencement of the scheme.