On Monday 16 June 2025 we will stop accepting applications in our online system Argonaut and new applications will need to be made using our new online application system named Apollo.
For instruction on how to apply to register for an Apollo account, please see the section: How do I apply for a licence?
This system goes live on Monday 16 June.
Page contents
- How do I apply for a licence?
- When should I apply for a licence?
- What are the terms and conditions?
- What is the cost of the licence?
- What if I have any queries, concerns or complaints?
How do I apply for a licence?
If you already have a user name and password you can apply for a licence via the Apollo website.
You will be asked to create an account with ÄûÃʵ¼°¹, which you will use to sign into Apollo.
Before you can create a licence application, you will need to provide details of the business that you are applying on behalf of. As part of this process, you will be asked to upload a copy of the public liability insurance to provide evidence of cover for a minimum of £10 million.
When should I apply for a licence?
You must apply at least 10 days in advance. This is to ensure that the proposed works will not be in conflict with any others, and so that emergency services can be kept informed.
If you are working on the public highway and applying for a temporary traffic signals licence you may also require a road opening licence.
What are the terms and conditions?
- The signals must operate in vehicle actuated mode and the signal heads must be positioned at locations visible to approaching traffic.
- All temporary signing must be in accordance with:
- Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
- The Safety at Streetworks and Roadworks: A Code of Practice (also known as The Red Book).
- Guidance on the use of Portable Traffic Signals 2024.
- Information boards must be provided on site with 24 hour telephone numbers for any enquiries.
What is the cost of the licence?
There is no charge for the licence to erect temporary traffic signals on the public highway.
However, if the switching off and back on permanent signals of any type is required, charges do apply.
Basic table of charges from 1 April 2025
Costs are per visit and apply to either a "switch off" or "switch on" activity
| Charge Category | Details | Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Working Hours with over 24 hour advanced notice | Request submitted with more than 24 hours notice for switch off/on in normal working hours 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday | £ 77.90 |
| Normal Working Hours with less than 24 hour advanced notice | Request submitted with less than 24 hours notice for switch off/on in normal working hours 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday | £116.84 |
| Out Of Hours over 24 hours advanced notice | Request submitted with more than 24 hours notice for switch off/on outside normal working hours 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays | £101.26 |
| Out Of Hours less than 24 hours advanced notice | Request submitted with less than 24 hours notice for switch off/on outside normal working hours 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays | £151.89 |
| On site waiting time - out of normal working hours (18:00 to 08:00 Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays) | A 30 minute window is allowed per visit, Should time be required over and above this 30 minutes it will be charged at a rate of £101.26 per hour. This is charged pro-rata, rounded up to the nearest 15 minutes. (for example, 45 minutes = £75.95) | £101.26 |
| On site waiting time - normal working hours (08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday) | A 30 minute window is allowed per visit, Should time be required over and above this 30 minutes it will be charged at a rate of £77.90 per hour. This is charged pro-rata, rounded up to the nearest 15 minutes. (for example, 45 minutes = £58.43) | £ 77.90 |
| Administration charge | A charge of £102.50 is added to the overall cost of the switching activity to cover administration costs (for example, £77.90 + £77.90 = £155.80 + £102.50 = £257.30) | £102.50 |
| Alteration charge | Once a request is submitted, if a change is required to either times or dates, a £56.50 administration charge will be made along with any adjustment should the charge category change. (The £56.50 charge applies to each adjustment made.) | £56.50 |
| Cancellation charge | If you book a switch off/on activity and subsequently cancel you will still be charged the £102.50 administration fee and you will also be charged the adjustment charge of £56.50 | £159 |
A Purchase Order number must be supplied at the time of request to enable us to invoice costs at the completion of works. (This must be on the Argonaut request form). Out of hours is defined as any time during a Saturday, Sunday or UK Public Holiday and outside of the normal working hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
When calculating the final cost of your switching activity, remember to allow for the administration cost, any waiting times, amendment charges and all the attendances you have requested.
If you make any adjustments to your switch out request or if there has been waiting times etc., your Purchase Order amount may need amending prior to making the final invoice payment to us.
What if I have any queries, concerns or complaints?
If you have queries, concerns or complaints, you can contact us either online or by telephone.