Highways Works RAMS Guide for UK Contractors

Key Topics in a Highways Works RAMS

Chapter 8 compliance and NHSS qualifications

Traffic management on public highways in the UK must comply with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM), which sets out signing distances, layout standards, and equipment requirements for all carriageway works. Traffic management operatives must hold the relevant NHSS (National Highway Sector Scheme) qualification for the work type — NHSS 12A for signing, lighting and guarding; 12B for portable traffic signals; 12D for road marking. Traffic management designers must hold an appropriate qualification (e.g. LANTRA ATMC). The RAMS must confirm the qualifications held by all traffic management personnel and reference the specific Chapter 8 layout drawing approved for the works.

Road space booking and S50/S278 licences

All works affecting the public highway require a road space booking with the highway authority under the Traffic Management Act 2004. Works involving excavation in the highway also require a Section 50 licence (for statutory undertakers or their contractors) or a Section 278 agreement (for highway improvements). The RAMS must confirm that the road space booking reference and all relevant licences are in place before works commence, that the notification was made within the statutory timescale (typically 10 working days for major works), and that the noticing system (SRWR or equivalent) is updated to reflect actual start, stop, and reinstatement dates.

Live traffic interface and buffer zones

Working in or adjacent to live traffic lanes is one of the highest-risk activities in construction. The RAMS must specify: the traffic speed at the site (determining signing distances), the required buffer zone between operatives and live traffic (minimum distances set by Chapter 8 based on speed), the PPE standard for operatives working in the carriageway (EN ISO 20471 Class 3 minimum at 40 mph+), the stop-work trigger if the traffic management layout is compromised or if vehicle incursion occurs, and the emergency response procedure if an operative is struck by a vehicle.

Night works on the highway

Many highways works are scheduled overnight to minimise traffic disruption. Night works require specific additional controls in the RAMS: enhanced illumination of the work area and signing (battery-powered lighting for the work area, illuminated signs and arrow boards), confirmation that operatives have sufficient lighting for the task without creating glare for approaching drivers, fatigue management for operatives working through the night (confirmed maximum consecutive working hours, rest break schedule, and supervisor contact numbers), and the process for extending works beyond the agreed period if the programme slips — which requires immediate notification to the highway authority and, where a road closure is in place, potential agreement from the police.