Temporary Traffic Lights: Understanding the Technology, Misconceptions, and Industry Insights

Multiphase ADS (Adaptive Detection System) is an advanced form of vehicle actuation, which accurately interprets traffic volume and speed to adjust green times – and in turn, optimise the flow of traffic. While compliance with British Standards is not mandatory, it provides further assurance of safety and quality. Hiring from SRL means choosing equipment that not only performs reliably in the field but also aligns with the latest legal and technical frameworks. Set up UltraLight™ signals so they only operate at certain timeframes giving you the flexibility to schedule signals to turn on and off without the need to travel to site each time.

Failures can occur due to high demand and continuous usage, but advancements in battery technology, solar power, and remote monitoring have significantly reduced the likelihood of breakdowns. When malfunctions do happen, they are often due to external factors such as adverse weather or accidental damage. The misconception that these lights are unreliable overlooks the complexity of traffic management in challenging conditions and the effectiveness of newer, more robust systems.

Explore and compare our range of traffic signals to help you find the best solution to cater for your requirements. While others offer limited, often single-phase solutions,Multiphase ADS stands alone in its ability to seamlessly control 2, 3, and even 4-way temporary junctions—without manual intervention. Manual control of the signals should only be used to stop traffic if the shuttle lane has to be occupied for short periods (e.g. for unloading), or in other permitted circumstances. We’ll work with you to create a traffic management plan that ensures safety, minimises disruption, and keeps your project on track. SRL Solar PLUS can be added as an optional extra to extend battery life, reduce the need for on-site battery changes, and support more efficient operation on longer or remote deployments. Have UltraLight™ plug into the permanent networks operations with UTMC integration which can allow UltraLight™ to sync up with the wider local area network ensuring smoother traffic flow in and out.

With a refurbishment centre near Newcastle, we ensure our equipment meets high standards by replacing parts as needed. Adjust the red and green timings of traffic signals and adjust the blackout timing for pedestrian phases to suit the requirements of each site. Multiphase ADS was designed to solve these issues with fully automated, real-time signal control for 2, 3, and 4-way layouts, reducing reliance on manual intervention and improving traffic flow efficiency. For advice on setting up and adjusting the timings of portable traffic lights, see An Introduction to the Use of Portable Vehicular Signals (the ‘Pink Book’). Three-way or four-way control may be appropriate where a side road junction is within the shuttle length, depending on the level of traffic flow.

But with so many options and industry terms floating around, it can be hard to know where to start. UltraLight™ ensures your portable traffic lights stay operational for longer, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and battery changes. You can further enhance battery life by integrating SRL Solar PLUS® to the signal (an optional add on). SiigSense™ redefines, delivering industry firsts to portable traffic signal operation, such as the hi-tech SiigSense™ touch screen controller, Prioritised Demand Strategy (PDS) and Adaptive Ambient Diming (AAD). The results are improved traffic flow, ease of operation, real time system reporting, reductions in operating costs, time onsite and numerous environment benefits.

Industry-Leading ITS Solutions

The only portable signal in our fleet that allows the LED lights to dim during evenings and at night to the Highways regulations, conserving battery life. The improved radio signal connectivity provides a more robust and dependable communication between UltraLight™ signals offering an advancement that significantly reduces interference. We provide a range of industry-leading portable and temporary lights suitable for any site.

Using durable materials like galvanized steel, our refurbished traffic lights are designed to last up to 20 years, providing a low-maintenance, long-term investment that supports both sustainability and high performance.
‘Ramp’ and ‘Ramp ahead’ signs must be used where the cable protector exceeds 15 mm in height, and the ‘Ramp’ signs should be placed adjacent to the cable crossing.
Similarly, as battery exchanges are reduced, the time workers spend on-site or next to live lanes is also reduced so they are less susceptible to road accidents, injuries or abuse.
This belief likely stems from the visibility of malfunctions due to the high volume of temporary lights in use across the UK for roadworks and construction projects.
The signing you will need is shown in the figure above, Traffic control by portable traffic signals.
Discover how our tailored approach aligns with your project requirements and experience a service like no other through our commitment to reliability and innovation.

Every service vehicle is equipped with necessary spare parts, ensuring your traffic lights are operational as quickly as possible. We are proud to offer free on-site servicing and maintenance, from twice-weekly to monthly visits, based on hire volumes. Our skilled operatives inspect, test, and service all systems to meet safety and government standards.

Functioning similarly to permanent traffic signals, temporary traffic lights use a system of red, amber, and green lights to control traffic flow. Two-way systems are common for managing single-lane traffic that alternates direction, while multi-phase systems handle more complex setups involving multiple traffic directions. Portable traffic lights are an invaluable tool in modern traffic management, providing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. By understanding how they work and their benefits, we can appreciate their role in ensuring road safety and efficient traffic flow in various temporary situations. Whether in construction zones, special events, or emergencies, portable traffic lights are a reliable solution for effective traffic control.

Not sure which solution is for you?

SRL operates a wide depot network spanning from Aberdeen to Maidstone, ensuring nationwide coverage and localised support. Our team of over 100 trained traffic light operatives are experts in deploying our signals quickly and efficiently. Using our custom-designed fleet, they deliver and set up portable traffic lights safely on-site, ensuring your works get underway without delay. That’s why we offer expert guidance, no matter what type of traffic signals you’re looking to hire.

All multi-phase signal systems must have the written permission of the highway authority, including express approval for placing the signals at a particular site. The site approval must be retained for the whole time the system is in operation, and the approved plan must be followed. We help our customers create safer crossings and schemes with our advanced temporary traffic signal system. TOPAS registration provides assurance that traffic signal products meet key specifications and are suitable for use on public roads. SRL is not a traffic management company, which means we don’t provide Chapter 8 signage or full traffic management services.

Where power cables cross the carriageway, a cable crossing protector must be used where vehicles have to pass over the cable. ‘Ramp’ and ‘Ramp ahead’ signs must be used where the cable protector exceeds 15 mm in height, and the ‘Ramp’ signs should be placed adjacent to the cable crossing. ITS(UK) has recently launched a campaign to highlight the urgent need to renew our infrastructure of traffic signals and related technologies. Integrate your UltraLight™ signals with any of SRL’s Variable Message Signs to provide road users with warnings or instructions leading up to the approach of a site. The upgraded software and hardware featured in UltraLight™ guarantees an improved user experience and provides a simpler navigation and setup process. UltraLight™ comes equipped with a five bullet lock design as standard providing peace of mind that your signals are protected and a guaranteed uninterrupted operation.

However, we work closely with many traffic management professionals and can recommend trusted partners for short-term projects. UltraLight™ comes with Multiphase ADS autoconfigured as standard which will detect and adjust to varying traffic conditions without the need for manual intervention providing optimal traffic flow. portable traffic system Our extensive support services ensure you can rely on us anytime, anywhere, providing seamless solutions for every project.

Utilise up to 6 max time sets which allows you to set red/green times to change based on a timetable set by the user. UltraLight™ has a modular system allowing you to use any box with either a pedestrian or traffic post making it easier for you to optimise your fleet seamlessly and adapt to different project needs. As Europe’s largest manufacturer and hirer of ITS equipment, we have over 30 depots strategically placed across the UK and Ireland providing a 24/7 service, 365 days a year.

This blog will explain the difference between portable and temporary traffic lights and guide you through the hiring process with SRL, the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of traffic light hire solutions. Our portable traffic lights and smart signalling systems are designed for flexibility and ease of setup, making them ideal for projects in construction, utilities, and events. Multiphase ADS addresses several key challenges faced by local authorities in managing temporary traffic control at complex junctions. Traditional systems often require manual setup, are limited to two-phase operation, and struggle to adapt to fluctuating traffic volumes-leading to congestion, driver frustration, and safety risks.