The Temporary Traffic Sign Amendment Course cuts training time for sign amendments to around two hours. Since its launch in September 2025, 115 learners from across the temporary traffic management sector have completed it.
Developed by the Traffic Management Contractors Association (TMCA) with CIHT Learn, the course aims to close a recognised skills gap in safe, compliant alteration of temporary traffic signs on highways. Its flexible digital format fits around busy work schedules.
How the Course Works
The course covers safety precautions when altering signs, bilingual signage requirements, relevant regulations including TSRGD Schedule 13 Part 9 and chapters 7 and 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Learners study best practice and current legislation remotely on devices such as Android phones, tablets and laptops.
Users get one year of access to course materials, allowing refreshers as needed. A certificate is granted upon reaching an 80% pass mark.
Where It Fits In UK Highways
Temporary traffic management involves setting out and modifying traffic signs for roadworks and events. Before this course, training was inconsistent, relying on informal methods. The TMCA and CIHT aimed to provide a consistent, cost-effective standard for contractors and public authorities alike.
Its adoption spans major contractors and local authority teams tasked with approving or managing temporary signage, supporting compliance with the Traffic Signs Manual, Specification for Highway Works, and related guidance.
What It Changes for Practitioners
Digital flexibility allows operatives and supervisors to complete the course without disrupting site work. As City TM’s Fleet Administrator Chloe Field comments, learners appreciate being able to revisit material at their own pace.
Paul Bough, Derby City Council’s Team Leader for Highway Major Projects, notes the course improves team understanding of compliant sign amendments and reduces miscommunication with contractors.
Greg Baldwin, TMCA Chair, states the course addresses a known training gap: ensuring temporary sign amendments meet standards and reduce the risk of non-compliant signage reaching the network.
At £50 plus VAT per learner, the course is priced to be accessible across both public and private sector organisations, including smaller teams and new entrants.
Safety and Compliance Benefits
Better-trained operatives contribute to safer roadworks by reducing incidents and improving communication through clearer traffic signage. Consistency helps local authorities meet their duty of care under the Traffic Management Act and CDM regulations.
Simon Chadwick, Managing Director of Direct Traffic Management Ltd, found the course quick to complete while delivering valuable learning outcomes for his team.
Growing Sector Adoption
TMCA views this targeted training as a crucial step towards raising industry-wide standards in temporary traffic sign management. The association continues to promote the course to improve compliance, safety and professionalism across UK highways maintenance and construction.
More information about the course and registration details are available at tmca.org.uk and cihtlearn.org.uk.
