Sam Guiver, Head of Network Assurance, has provided the below briefing note following an enquiry raised after the Suffolk Highways Forum on roadworks. 

We recognise the concern regarding ‘Road Ahead Closed’ signs being placed significant distances in advance of the actual closure point, often without additional context. This can understandably cause frustration for drivers and residents, especially where the road appears to remain accessible.

National guidance (Traffic Signs Manual, Chapter 8) recommends advance signage be placed at logical turning points, particularly to allow HGVs and other large vehicles to divert early and safely. However, the current legislation does not mandate the inclusion of supporting details such as “local access only”, “distance to closure”, or the precise location of the restriction. This means promoters can comply with the law without necessarily providing clear or helpful information to the public

While we cannot enforce the inclusion of such supplementary detail, Suffolk’s Network Assurance team routinely requests it where possible, and we work with both statutory undertakers and contractors to improve clarity. This includes reviewing signage plans at permit application stage and challenging inadequate deployments on site.

We have also raised this issue nationally. Sam Guiver, Head of Network Assurance in his role as Chair of JAG(UK)*, provided written evidence to the Transport Select Committee (TSC) inquiry into street works. I’m pleased to report that the final TSC report (published June 2025) includes the following recommendation to the Secretary of State for the consideration:

This recommendation directly reflects the concerns raised and reinforces the case for legislative and guidance reform. The Minster/Department for Transport is now required to respond to the Committee’s report by September 2025, and we hope this leads to improvements in how road users are informed.

Meanwhile, we continue to work with promoters locally to ensure signage is accurate, timely, and proportionate to the disruption caused. We also review works where signs remain in place unnecessarily and seek to enforce through existing powers wherever appropriate.

*Note on JAG(UK)

Joint Authority Group UK referred to as JAG(UK) - represents the best interests of every Highway and Road Authority in the United Kingdom. It was formed to provide highways advice and support to the government through the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee, HAUC(UK) and also through direct contact with government departments.