Traffic light switch off or on

Before you apply to switch permanent traffic signals off or on, you must:

• have a traffic management plan from an accredited traffic management company
• apply for a highways licence or permit to book your road space
• allow at least 7 working days’ notice for your application to be reviewed

Approval to switch traffic signals off or on is only given through a licence or permit.

Fast Track applications

A Fast Track service is available if you need the signals switched off or on sooner than the standard notice period.

Fast Track applications:

• must include all required documents
• require at least 2 working days’ notice
• cost more than standard applications

Traffic management plan

You must upload a traffic management plan at 1:1,250 scale (or larger).

The plan must show:

• the position of any “wait here until green light shows” signs
• temporary traffic signal heads
• cones showing the working area, safety zones and pedestrian routes (where applicable)

We may ask for proof of public liability insurance of at least £5 million, indemnifying Cheshire East Council.

Fees apply to all permanent traffic signal switch off or on requests.

• Switch off or switch on
  Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays): £986

• Fast Track switch off and on
  Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays): £1,038

• Switch off or switch on
  Out of hours (5pm to 8am), weekends or Bank Holidays: £1,142

• Fast Track switch off and on
  Out of hours, weekends or Bank Holidays: £1,194

• Emergency same-day request
  8am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays): £1,090

• Emergency same-day request
  Out of hours or Bank Holidays: £1,298 

VAT does not apply.

If you cancel your application before approval, we will refund the fee minus a £114 admin charge.

If the permit or licence has already been granted, we cannot issue a refund and additional costs may apply.

Payment

You must pay online when you submit your application.

After you apply

• you will receive an automated email with your reference number and confirmation of payment
• we will review your plans to make sure they are suitable for the site
• we will contact you if changes are needed

All approvals are issued through a permit or highways licence.

If your application has not yet been approved and you need to change dates or details, email
trafficmanagement@cheshireeasthighways.org

You do not need to submit a new application.

Health and safety

You must follow all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance, including the Department for Transport’s Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice.

You may be fined or prosecuted if you do not comply.

Switching permanent traffic signals

Your traffic management company must be on site at least 30 minutes before the agreed time.

If they are not on site, our contractor will leave. You will need to rebook, pay another fee and give at least 7 working days’ notice again.

If you cancel without telling us, you must cover our costs.

Clearing the site

Once the work is complete:

• all signage must be removed
• the site must be left clear

We will charge a fee if we have to remove equipment or waste.

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in your licence or permit being revoked.

The operation of temporary traffic signals is covered by Part 9 of the Highways Act 1980