When it comes to traffic management and safety, one indispensable tool is the trusty traffic cone. They may appear simple solutions, but in reality, there are numerous sizes and standards to consider when buying traffic cones.
Failure to consider traffic cone guidance could result in safety hazards, ranging in severity from slips and trips to vehicle collisions. Understanding industry standards for traffic cones is important to select the right product, effectively implement traffic control measures and avoid accidents.
At Barriers Direct, you can find a wide selection of traffic cones that meet the necessary regulations and offer durability and visibility. In this comprehensive Traffic Cone Guide, you’ll find everything you need to purchase the right traffic cone, including:
- Different types of traffic cones and their application
- Traffic cone comparison table
- Benefits of using traffic cones
- Traffic cone FAQs, including common queries
Different types of traffic cones, flexible posts and their usage
While some traffic cones and posts may be appropriate for indicating hazards and highway maintenance, others may be suitable for off-road use only. Here, we break down different types of traffic cones and their usage to help you understand your options and select the best one for your requirements.
Traffic Cones Suitable for Public Roads
Available in various sizes, each pack of 5 traffic cones can be purchased with an optional chain attachment kit, which is easy to install to create a versatile barrier.
These cones conform to BS EN 13422.2004 and BS873 Part 8 regulations, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for public roads.
Sizing - available in 3 styles and various sizes:
- TC1 Height: 500mm, 750mm or 1m
- TC2 Height: 460mm
- TC3 Height: 750mm
- Base Dimensions: 310mm x 310mm
Click here to buy Traffic Cones Suitable for Public Roads at Barriers Direct.
Premium Traffic Cones
Premium traffic cones offer you a better quality cone, all the while at exceptional value for money.
These cones come in multipacks of 2 and are deemed a superior quality thanks to their 100% Recycled PVC Thermoplastic Cone Base and virgin High-Density Poly Ethylene cone top, which provide durability and longevity. Meanwhile, prismatic Starlux® sleeves offer unmatched daylight luminance and night-time reflectivity, ensuring optimal visibility and safety even in challenging low-light conditions.
Premium cones abide by UK and international safety standards, including Chapter 8 of The Traffic Signs Manual, The Red Book 2013, Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions and BSEN13422 requirements. From music festivals and construction sites to schools, universities and sporting events, premium road cones are applicable across various settings.
Click here to shop premium traffic cones at Barriers Direct.
Warning Cones ‘Off Road’
Warning Cones are manufactured in bright red-orange PVC with white fluorescent bands, providing excellent visibility in daylight. They are also more lightweight than standard traffic cones, making them easy to handle and transport.
The Off-Road Warning Cones are not intended for use on public roads and do not conform to BS EN 13422:2004 or BS873 Part 8 regulations. They serve as a cost-effective option for various off-road settings, including warehouses, loading yards, motorsports circuits, schools and colleges.
Sizing:
- 350mm = 230 x 230mm (with one white ring)
- 500mm = 290 x 290mm (with two white rings)
- 750mm = 400 x 400mm (with two white rings)
Click here to buy Warning Cones ‘Off Road’ at Barriers Direct.
Helix Road Cone
The Helix Road Cone is a groundbreaking traffic cone that sets new standards in stability, visibility and versatility. Its patented design features a unique helix, which enhances stability and wind deflection, reducing the risk of the cone toppling over. For additional stability, an optional weight ring can be used.
Another feature that sets the Helix Road Cone apart is its innovative glass bead sleeve, which surpasses traditional prismatic alternatives in terms of reflectivity.
Helix Road Cones meet BS EN 13422 standards and are built to withstand the demands of various applications, from busy airports and traffic control to industrial and construction operations.
Sizing: 750mm x 555mm x 555mm
Click here to buy Helix Road Cones at Barriers Direct.
Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper Kit
The Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper Kit includes 4 Helix Road Cones, 3 retractable webbing tape units and 1 receiver unit in orange.
By combining the clever cone toppers with the innovative Helix Road Cones, you can effortlessly create a barrier up to 27 metres long (9 metres x 3). Whether it's for construction sites, warehouses or public events, this flexible and adaptable kit enables you to establish a safe zone in many off road environments.
Sizing:
- Cone: 555mm x 555mm x 750mm
- Retractable Unit (3 per set): 145mm (tape length 9m) x 145mm x 240mm
Click here to buy Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper Kit at Barriers Direct.
Traffic Cone Retractable Barrier Kit
The Traffic Cone Retractable Barrier Kit includes 4 standard traffic cones and 4 retractable webbing tape units, each containing 9 metres of high visibility fabric tape to provide a total of 36 metres of easily deployable barrier.
Whether it's for traffic management, events, construction sites, site safety or crowd control, this kit is ideal for a variety of applications.
Sizing:
- Cone: 385mm x 385mm x 750mm
- Retractable Unit (4 per set): 145mm (tape length 9m) x 145mm x 240mm
Click here to buy Traffic Cone Retractable Barrier Kit at Barriers Direct.
Retractable 27m Safety Barrier Kit
With 4 posts and bases, 3 retractable webbing tape units and 1 dummy unit, the Retractable 27m Safety Barrier Kit offers swift and easy creation of designated areas, suitable for indoor and outdoor (off road) use.
Each webbing tape unit extends up to 9 metres, allowing for a total barrier length of 27 metres. The bases can be filled with water or sand to enhance stability, ensuring secure placement in windy or high-traffic environments. You can also choose from a variety of colours to match your surroundings.
Sizing:
- Post and base: 500mm x 500mm x 1m
- Retractable unit (3 included): 145mm (tape length 9m) x 145mm x 240mm
Click here to buy Retractable 27m Safety Barrier Kit at Barriers Direct.
Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper and Re-charging Safety Light Kit
The Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper and Re-charging Safety Light Kit features 4 Helix Road Cones, 3 retractable webbing tape units, 1 orange dummy unit and 4 rechargeable safety lights.
Helix Road Cones are uniquely engineered to withstand challenging conditions such as locations susceptible to gusts of winds, ensuring reliable performance in various environments. The rechargeable safety lights further enhance visibility and can be easily adjusted automatically or manually based on lighting conditions, ideal for various applications, including traffic control, airports and petrochemicals.
Sizing:
- Cone: 555m x 555m x 750m
- Retractable Unit (3 per set): 145mm (tape length 9m) x 145mm x 240mm
Flexible Post in Hi-Viz Red and White
The Flexible Post in Hi-Viz Red and White is technically a post that offers a more permanent alternative to traditional traffic cones.
Designed for off-highway use such as car parks, these posts feature a link joint in the foot, allowing them to automatically return to a vertical position when hit or run over. It also comes in a black and yellow chevron design (below) for maximum visibility.
Please note that these posts do not conform to BS 873 Part 8 des. 1, so should not be used on public highways.
Sizing:
- Height: 460mm, 760mm or 1000mm
- Post Diameter: 100mm
- Optional Base Height: 60mm
- Optional Base Diameter: 270mm
Click here to buy Flexible Posts in Hi-Viz Red and White at Barriers Direct.
Flexible Post in Hi-Viz Yellow and Black
The Flexible Post in Hi-Viz Yellow and Black is a reliable traffic cone alternative for off-highway traffic management. These posts are equipped with a link joint in the foot, allowing them to automatically return to a vertical position even after multiple impacts. A red and white chevron option (above) is also available for high impact stand out.
These posts do not conform to BS 873 Part 8 des. 1 and should not be used on public highways.
Sizing:
- Height: 460mm, 760mm or 1000mm
- Diameter: 100mm
- Optional Base Height: 60mm
- Optional Base Diameter: 270mm
Click here to buy Flexible Post in Hi-Viz Yellow and Black at Barriers Direct.
Flexible Post Extremely Robust Self-Righting
The Flexible Post is a versatile alternative to traffic cones. Equipped with a link joint in the foot, these posts automatically return to a vertical position after being hit or run over, ensuring continuous visibility and reliability.
These posts are suitable for highway use and are commonly employed to separate traffic lanes, demarcate routes or form barriers on motorways and dual carriageways, allowing only emergency service vehicles to cross.
Sizing:
- Available in a choice of three heights, 460mm, 760mm or 1000mm
- Diameter: 100mm
- Base Height: 60mm
- Base Diameter: 270mm
Click here to buy Flexible Post Extremely Robust Self-Righting at Barriers Direct.
Tensabarrier® Tensacone
The Tensabarrier® Tensacone is a fantastic solution for creating temporary barriers in a versatile and cost-effective manner.
With the innovative Tensabarrier® TC114 Topper, standard traffic cones can be transformed into an adaptable barrier system, perfect for a wide range of applications including roadside projects, health and safety initiatives, and maintenance and engineering tasks.
Sizing:
- Webbing Length: 3.65m
- Webbing Depth: 50mm
- Unit Height:- 232mm
Click here to buy Tensabarrier Tensacone at Barriers Direct.
Traffic cone comparison table
|
Product |
Uses |
From Price* |
|
Off-highway use only. |
£29.09 inc. VAT |
|
|
Off-highway use only. |
£29.09 inc. VAT |
|
|
Barrier system for roadside, health and safety, maintenance and engineering applications. |
£47.99 inc. VAT |
|
|
Highway appropriate. Typically used to indicate routes and areas which can only be crossed by emergency service vehicles. |
£56.15 inc. VAT |
|
|
Appropriate for public roads. |
£57.18 inc. VAT |
|
|
Private, off-road use only. For example, these cones can be used for warehouses, loading yards, motorsports circuits, schools and colleges. |
£78.54 inc. VAT |
|
|
Suitable for busy airports, industrial and construction sites, and more. |
£172.52 inc. VAT |
|
|
Suitable for establishing a safe zone in any environment, including construction sites, road maintenance and public events. |
£345.53 inc. VAT |
|
|
Ideal for event management, construction, site safety, crowd control barriers and more. |
£381.02 inc. VAT |
|
|
Suitable for indoor or outdoor work zones, including public roads. |
£406.06 inc. VAT |
|
|
Retractable 27m Road Cone Topper and Re-charging Safety Light Kit |
Suitable for creating safe zones in industrial sites. Its lights are ideal for creating high visibility in airports, warehouses and many other locations. |
£476.57 inc. VAT |
*Please note that prices are correct at the time of writing, in August 2023. Pricing can fluctuate and therefore costs indicated in this article may be outdated.
Benefits of using traffic cones
Here are some key advantages of using traffic cones:
- Warning about road hazards: Traffic cones serve as visual indicators to warn drivers about hazards on the road, for example, during motorway construction and maintenance. By strategically placing cones, drivers are alerted to potential dangers, promoting caution and reducing the risk of accidents.
- Warning about pedestrian hazards: Traffic cones are not limited to road use. They are also valuable in warning pedestrians about potential hazards on foot, such as slippery floors, spillages or wet surfaces. Placing cones in these areas draws attention to the danger and helps prevent slips, trips and falls.
- Traffic control and direction: Traffic cones play a crucial role in directing and controlling traffic flow. Their high visibility makes them easily identifiable, even during night time. By strategically positioning cones, drivers can see where they can and cannot go, facilitating organised and safe traffic management.
- Marking restricted areas: Traffic cones can mark off restricted areas, such as construction sites. The bright colour and height of the cones help demarcate these zones, signalling that entry is restricted or dangerous. This ensures safety for workers and the public, preventing unauthorised access to potentially hazardous areas.
Traffic cone FAQs
What is the British standard for traffic cones?
The British standard for traffic cones is defined by BS EN 13422. This standard establishes various classifications and requirements to ensure the quality and effectiveness of traffic management solutions.
The standard categorises cones and cylinders into two main types — Category A and Category B:
- Category A refers to cones or cylinders that are completely retroreflective (except for the base plate.)
- Category B refers to cones or cylinders that only have certain retroreflective parts of their bodies.
In addition to categories, there are further class specifications:
- Classes S1 and S2 define the shape of the cones.
- Classes W1, W2 and W3 specify different minimum weights for each cone height.
- Classes R1A, R2A, R1B and R2B establish minimum retroreflectivity requirements.
Is it illegal to steal traffic cones in the UK?
Removing traffic cones from public roads without proper authorisation is considered illegal in the UK.
Under section 1 of the Theft Act 1968, anyone who dishonestly takes someone else's property, including a traffic cone, with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it is guilty of theft. The offence of theft is a serious matter and can result in a custodial penalty of up to seven years.
Are you allowed to put traffic cones outside your house in the UK?
In the UK, the Highways Act 1980 outlines regulations for placing traffic cones outside your house. According to this act, it is an offence to obstruct the highway without proper permission from the local highway authority. Putting traffic cones outside your house without authorisation is illegal and may be subject to penalties.
What do different colour traffic cones mean in the UK?
In the UK, different colour traffic cones serve specific purposes and convey distinct meanings. Colour-coded cones are a cost-effective and efficient method to indicate road hazards and regulations.
The Highways Agency Health and Safety Toolkit details industry best practices for using coloured cones, which are as follows:
- Red and white cones are the most commonly used cones. They indicate potential hazards or dangerous conditions on the road. They might be placed to mark temporary obstructions, construction zones or areas where caution is required.
- Green and white cones highlight access points to other lanes, especially during roadworks or when motorways are being upgraded to smart motorways.
- Blue and white cones indicate the presence of an overhead structure, such as bridges or tunnels. They may also be fitted with a yellow sleeve, which warns drivers of overhead power cables.
- Yellow and white cones mark no-stopping areas. For example, these cones are commonly deployed to prevent site vehicles from blocking traffic on the main highway.
- Black and while cones are used to indicate and make way for funeral processions.
Buy traffic cones online
When considering traffic cones, Barriers Direct offers a comprehensive selection for you to choose from. With a range of options available, including innovative designs like the Helix Road Cone and retractable barrier kits, you can find the right cones to suit your requirements and adhere to the necessary regulations.
All Barriers Direct traffic cones come with a minimum 1-year warranty as standard, giving you peace of mind and assurance of each product's quality and durability.
Click here to explore Barriers Direct's range of traffic cones
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