Request a permanent traffic signal switch-out

A 'switch-out' is the process of turning off a set of lights and displaying a sign to indicate that they are not in use.

If you are carrying out work on the road, you must make a request for permanent traffic signals to be switched out. By managing proposed work in this way, we can reduce unnecessary disruption to road users.
 

Switch-out options

There are two options when requesting a switch out:

1. signal switch-out undertaken by a council-approved contractor
   • you must choose this option for all emergency works or out-of-hours switch-outs
   • West Berkshire Council application fee: £57 (excluding contractor's fee)
   • contact SSL (Simone Surveys Ltd) on 01635 522000
2. signal switch-out by a West Berkshire Council Engineer (non emergency, minimum notice 72 hours)
   • Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
   • fee: £550 per switch-out, up to one hour per site visit (switch off / switch on)
   • contact our ITS team - 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. 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.

In cases where the traffic management (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.

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 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

Emergency works

In the case of emergency works, where it is not possible to provide the required notice to the council, you must choose option 1.

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.

If you do not request a switch-out

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.

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

Apply

To apply for a switch-out, complete and send our  traffic signal switch out application form [30KB]  and a purchase order 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.