Chapter 8 submission guidance

What’s the background behind this process?

Have you looked through the latest version of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) Chapter 8 and identified something that could be changed? Use the change control submission form linked at the end of this page to request any updates or modifications you’d like included in the next published version of Chapter 8. Through this process, you can provide evidence on what needs to change and why. Once submitted, submissions will be reviewed to decide whether the change should be included in Chapter 8.

Why is this being introduced?

Introducing an updated change control process and submissions form will support increased collaboration and transparency around changes to Chapter 8. This allows the document to better align with best practices and the latest innovations.

It is important to note that this form can be used for varying categories of change to Chapter 8, and we expect the most significant changes to have the required evidence to support them (e.g. the outcome of a pilot and/or trial). Category B and C changes cannot be submitted for ideas that have no supporting evidence (categories of change are explained in the table below). If a submission is shown to be beneficial, more evidence will be requested on a case by case basis. Lack of evidence will prevent a submission from progressing.

Any information provided as part of the submission could be made available publicly as part of a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request. Any personal information that is protected under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and/or the Data Protection Act 2018 will not be shared.

I have decided I’d like to send a submission. What else do I need to know?

We are currently trialling this approach to updating Chapter 8, starting in 2026. It is important to note that we will only be accepting submissions that are supported by one of the following during this trial period:

The Association for Road Traffic Safety Management (ARTSM)
Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA)
Traffic Management Contractors Association (TMCA)
National Highways
Welsh Government
Transport Scotland
Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland)
Submissions supported by other authorities

Later in this guidance, we have detailed the information that you may need to share with us during your submission. However, you may be required to provide additional information or present to our governance groups, such as our Review Panel and Steering Group. We’ll be in touch if this is the case and we need anything further from you to review the submission.

If this trial of the change control process is successful, we will review if acceptance of submissions from a wider audience is possible or practicable in future years. More details will be shared on this webpage soon.

How is the process structured?

The submission process is split into two distinct elements:

The online submission form

This captures details about you, the people involved with your submission, and outline information on the change you’d like to propose.

Some of the information we collect includes your name and the company you work for. This information will only be used for the purposes of the change control process. We’ll use these details to contact you if we require further information on your submission.

To help us effectively assess your submission, you’ll be asked to select a category of change. The table below provides some guidance:

Category label	Category	Description
A	Typographical or grammatical error.	Minor updates to correct spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or other editorial issues.
B	Comprehension or clarity change.	Changes to wording or graphics which are proposed to facilitate the correct interpretation of the code of practice, removing ambiguity. Select this category if the submission seeks to clarify existing wording and extends upon something already included within Chapter 8.
C	Introduction of, or change to, single or multiple items or sections.	Introduction of a new way of working, layout, or product. Select this category if the submission seeks to introduce something that is not currently included within Chapter 8.

If Category B or C is selected, you’ll be asked to choose what type of change you’re requesting. The types of change considered for this change control process include:

way of working: Introduction of a new method or change to an existing method for deploying, maintaining, or removing temporary traffic management
layout: Introduction of a new or change to an existing design or layout for temporary traffic management
asset or product: Introduction of new guidance or change to existing guidance to permit, recommend, or mandate the use of a new asset or product when deploying, maintaining or removing temporary traffic management

There is also the option to select "Other"

Submission evidence and supporting information:

This builds on the information collected above, capturing the more detailed information that we need to effectively assess your submission.

For Category A submissions:

The evidence and supporting information questions are included on the online submission form. No attachments are required.

For Category B and C submissions:

Please download the correct evidence and supporting information template below and complete the required questions.

Once you’ve completed the online submissions form, we’ll ask you to send us the completed document along with any additional evidence that may support your submission (for example: full safety risk assessments and legal advice documents).

Please note, you will not be able to save your progress as you complete the submission form.

Category B template

Category C template

Aside from personal details, what other information will I need to provide?

To help prepare your submission, we've provided an indication of the information we may collect below. The information collected reflects the category of change selected.

Typographical or grammatical error:

Contact Details
A summary of the proposed change
Proposed wording to include and/or amend within Chapter 8
Additional information

Comprehension or clarity change:

Contact Details
Type of change
A summary of the proposed change
Proposed wording to include and/or amend within Chapter 8
Potential impact of change (including the achievable outcomes and benefits)
Safety Risk Assessment
Legal advice undertaken
Impact outside of Chapter 8 (for example, guidance and training)
Additional information and supporting documentation

Introduction of, or change to, single or multiple items or sections:

Contact Details
Type of change
A summary of the proposed change.
Proposed wording to include and/or amend within Chapter 8
Details on the outcomes of pilots, trials and/or evidence of successful implementation
Safety Risk Assessment
Legal advice undertaken
Efficiencies introduced
Impact outside of Chapter 8 (for example, guidance and training)
Additional information and supporting documentation

What happens next?

Once we receive your online submission form, we’ll email you with your submission reference number and we’ll share the next steps. We aim to contact you within 2 working days of receiving your online submission form, so if you do not receive an email confirmation in this timeframe, please email us directly.

The reference number is unique to your submission and it will make it easier to track its progress through our change control process. You’ll also receive updates from us throughout the process.

I’m ready to complete the form. How do I begin?

We intend to open the submissions form shortly after the republication of Chapter 8. This is expected to take place in November 2026. Please check back on this webpage for updates.

You can also download our privacy notice.

We want to make sure that you have the right support to complete the form and navigate this new process. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Chapter 8 team.