Traffic Signals Policy

This policy will detail how Stockton Borough Council (SBC), as a responsible local Highway Authority, will provide and maintain its traffic signal asset on the adopted highway, subject to available funding. The key objective is to drive the efficient day to day maintenance and long term management of traffic signals and controlled pedestrian crossings by the adoption of an asset management approach. The document will also detail how the Council take a pro-active approach in identifying safe places for pedestrians to cross the road and locations for new traffic signals to improve road safety, traffic management or facilitate new development, including how we consider requests for new controlled crossings or traffic signals.

The main local policy document in relation to this asset group is the Traffic Signals Maintenance Unit Agreement with Middlesbrough Borough Council (MBC), which is the legal document associated with MBCs role as Traffic Signals Lead Authority for the Tees Valley Area, whereby MBC discharge certain functions relating to traffic signals on behalf of the other authorities.

The asset is managed, via the Agency Agreement referred to above, through a number of measures based on the Traffic Management Act 2004, the Highways Act 1980, and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossings also have to comply with the legal requirements of The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 and TD19/06 Requirement for Road Restraint Systems.

Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 SBC has a statutory duty to 'secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians)' and thereby appoint a Traffic Manager as a statutory post.

The following also summarises the Council's broad policies and objectives relating to the traffic signals and pedestrian crossing assets, as detailed in the current Local Transport Plan (LTP):

• To support national economic competitiveness and growth, by delivering reliable and efficient transport networks;
• To reduce transport's emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, with the desired outcome of tackling climate change;
• To contribute to better safety, security, health and longer life-expectancy by reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from transport and by promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health;
• To promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society;
• To improve quality of life for transport users and non-transport users, and to promote a healthy natural environment.