Chapter 8 Cone Signs Explained: A Guide to Cone Mounted Road Signs

Cone mounted signs have become a familiar sight around road works and temporary sites across the UK. They're quick to put up, easy to carry and take up far less room in the van than traditional metal signs and frames. But if you're new to them, or you're buying for the first time, it's not always obvious what "Chapter 8" means, what each sign in a set actually says or how they fit.

This guide explains the basics, using our Chapter 8 Cone Signs 600mm Set of 6 as an example.

What Does "Chapter 8" Mean?

"Chapter 8" refers to Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, published by the Department for Transport. Its full title is Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations, and it's the guidance used across the industry for temporary traffic management, including the signs, cones and barriers used to guide road users safely past works.

Over time, "Chapter 8" has become shorthand on site for temporary traffic management equipment in general. When you see products described as Chapter 8 signs or Chapter 8 barriers, it means they're intended for use in these temporary situations. You can read the latest Chapter 8 update on GOV.UK if you want the full detail.

What Are Cone Mounted Signs?

Cone mounted signs are exactly what they sound like: sign faces designed to sit on top of a standard road cone rather than on a separate metal frame. The sign has an elasticated strap on the back that slides down over the cone, holding the sign in place.

On our cone signs, the faces are made from 100% recycled plastic, with a 50mm elasticated strap riveted to the back. The strap grips the cone firmly and stops the sign from spinning round, even in windy weather.

What's in a Standard Chapter 8 Cone Sign Set?

Our 600mm set contains six signs:

Cones aren't included in the set, so you'll need to buy these separately if you don't already have them.

Nearside vs Offside: What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions about road narrows signs. In the UK, where we drive on the left:

Nearside means the left-hand side of the road, nearest the kerb.

Offside means the right-hand side of the road, nearest the centre.

So a "road narrows nearside" sign shows the road narrowing from the left, and an "offside" sign shows it narrowing from the right. Having both in the set means you're covered whichever side is affected.

Why Are Some Signs Triangles and Some Circles?

UK road signs follow a simple shape system that drivers recognise instantly:

Triangles give warnings. The road works ahead and road narrows signs are both triangular warning signs.

Circles give orders. Blue circles, like the directional arrow signs in this set, tell drivers what they should do.

Rectangles give information.

Using the recognised shapes and symbols is part of what makes temporary signs quick and easy for drivers to understand.

600mm vs 750mm Cone Signs

Chapter 8 cone signs usually come in two sizes, which refer to the size of the sign face:

600mm signs, like the 600mm set, are lighter, more compact and easier to store and carry.

750mm signs, like the 750mm set, have a bigger face that can be seen from further away.

The right size depends on the road and the works, and it's something to confirm with whoever is responsible for planning the traffic management on your job.

Which Cones Do Cone Signs Fit?

Our cone signs are designed to fit 750mm and 1m road cones. For the 600mm set, we recommend our 750mm 2-part road cone, and they're also compatible with the 1000mm 2-part road cone.

Two-part cones have a recycled rubber base with a plastic body on top. They're often preferred by traffic management companies because they're robust and easy to handle.

Why Contractors Choose Cone Mounted Signs

Cone signs aren't a replacement for every type of sign, but they've become popular for a few good reasons.

Less kit to carry. A cone sign turns a cone you're already using into a sign, so there's no separate frame to carry, set up or weigh down.

Lightweight and easy to store. Plastic sign faces are much lighter than metal plates and stack neatly in the van or yard.

No scrap value. Because they're made from recycled plastic, cone signs have no value as scrap metal, which makes them far less attractive to thieves than metal signs.

Built to last. Our cone signs have high impact strength, stay stable in all temperatures and won't warp or crack. All edges are rounded for safer handling.

Recycled and recyclable. The sign faces are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.

Cone Signs vs Metal Frame Signs

Traditional road signs are made up of a metal sign plate mounted on a metal frame. These are sturdy and come in a wide range of sizes and designs, so they're still widely used, especially for larger or longer-term works.

Cone mounted signs offer a lighter, quicker alternative. Many contractors keep both, using whichever suits the job in front of them.

Looking After Your Cone Signs

A little care goes a long way:

Keep the faces clean. Dirt and road grime can make signs harder to read, so give them a wipe down regularly.

Check the straps. Make sure the elastic strap is in good condition and still grips the cone firmly.

Replace damaged signs. If a sign face is badly scratched, faded or damaged, replace it. Individual signs are available if you only need to replace one.

Store them flat and dry. Stacking signs neatly keeps them in good condition between jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cones included with Chapter 8 cone sign sets?

No. Sign sets are supplied without cones. You can buy road cones separately.

Can I buy cone signs individually?

Yes. As well as the full set, signs such as the Road Works Ahead cone sign, Road Narrows Nearside and Road Narrows Offside signs are available on their own, which is handy for replacing a lost or damaged sign.

Will cone signs spin round in the wind?

Our cone signs use a 50mm elasticated strap designed to grip the cone firmly and stop the sign from spinning, even in windy conditions.

What are cone signs made from?

Our cone sign faces are made from 100% recycled plastic, which is lightweight, impact resistant and fully recyclable.

Are there cone signs for pedestrians?

Yes. Alongside the road signs, there are cone mounted signs for pedestrians, including Footpath Closed and pedestrian direction signs. You can see them all in our cone mounted signs collection.

Shop Chapter 8 Cone Signs at Builder's Buddy

If you're looking for a practical, lightweight signing option, our Chapter 8 Cone Signs 600mm Set of 6 gives you a complete set of commonly used road works signs in one order. Browse our full range of traffic management equipment, or call our team on 01706 436 106 for help with larger orders.

Temporary traffic management should always be planned and set out by a competent person in line with Chapter 8 and any relevant codes of practice