Request for permanent traffic signal switch-out

You must request permanent traffic signals be switched out (the process of turning off a set of lights and displaying a sign to indicate that they are not in use) while work is carried out on the road. There are two options detailed below. Either using our approved signals Contractor or undertaken by the Council (non-emergency and office hours only, minimum notice 72 hours).

In both cases, the works' promoter is responsible for placing bags over the signal heads and/or erecting temporary signs, as they are requirements of Chapter 8. If traffic signals are switched out without the council's prior approval, we reserve the right to pass on the cost we incur for the traffic signal maintenance contractor to attend site to investigate the all-out fault.

In the case of emergency works, where it is not possible to provide the required notice to the council, option 1 from below must be chosen. It is your responsibility to contact the Traffic Signal Maintenance Service Operations Centre on 03301 230607 and advise them that the traffic signals at your location will be switched off due to emergency utility works. Failure to do so is likely to result in the traffic signal maintenance contractor attending site to investigate the all-out fault and any costs we incur as a result will be passed on to you.

Switch-out options

The below options are available for requesting a switch-outs:

1. Signal switch-out undertaken by council-approved contractor (all emergency works or out-of-hours switch-outs) - £57 (West Berkshire Council application fee); excluding contractor's fee. Please contact SSL (Simone Surveys Ltd): 01635 522000.
2. Signal switch-out by West Berkshire Council Engineer, Monday to Friday 8am-6pm - per switch-out up to one hour per site visit (switch out / switch on) - £550. To discuss the switch-out, please contact our ITS team on: 01635 503245 or its@westberks.gov.uk.

You will need to provide a purchase order number when requesting the switch-out.

The above costs are a flat rate and allow for the council engineer's attendance up to one hour after the arranged attendance time. In instances where the switch off/on does not take place within one hour of the arranged time, a further flat charge of £120 will be applied, with subsequent charges of £120 for every additional hour / part-hour thereof.

Please note that in cases where the TM is not set up at the agreed attendance time, the council may have to leave site and revisit later; further costs may apply as per above.

Application process

To apply for a switch-out, please complete a traffic signal switch out application form [30KB] , provide a purchase order and return to its@westberks.gov.uk.

In submitting this form, you accept that the company which you represent will be liable for the charges associated with this service as set out in the costs above.

*Arranged attendance times are subject to variation due to unforeseen events. The council shall not be held liable should the arranged times not be met.

All permanent signal junctions and pedestrian crossings are monitored and any unauthorised switch-offs will be investigated immediately and we will seek to reclaim any third party costs incurred.

By managing proposed work in this way, we can reduce unnecessary disruption to road users.