Traffic Cone Sizes & Standards: UK Highway Specification Guide
Traffic cones used on public highways in the UK must comply with BS EN 13422:2004 and Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Using non-compliant cones creates legal liability and fails safety requirements.
Standard UK Traffic Cone Sizes
| Height | Weight (minimum) | Application | Chapter 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300mm (12") | 1.0kg | Car parks, pedestrian areas, private land | No |
| 450mm (18") | 2.5kg | Minor works, slow roads, car parks with traffic | No |
| 750mm (30") | 3.0kg | Main roads, dual carriageways, A-roads | Yes |
| 1,000mm (40") | 7.0kg | Motorways, high-speed roads (70mph+) | Yes |
Chapter 8 Requirements by Road Type
Motorways and Dual Carriageways (70mph)
- Minimum cone height: 1,000mm (1m)
- Minimum weight: 7.0kg
- Retroreflective sleeve: Required (two bands minimum)
- Cone spacing: Maximum 25m for closures, 10m for tapers
A-Roads and Major Urban Roads (40–60mph)
- Minimum cone height: 750mm
- Minimum weight: 3.0kg
- Spacing: 8–15m depending on speed limit and scheme type
Urban Roads (30mph)
- Minimum cone height: 500mm (750mm preferred)
- Traffic Management Plan required
Retroreflectivity Requirements
BS EN 13422 requires minimum retroreflective performance of 150 mcd/m²/lux for Class 1 (urban) and 200 mcd/m²/lux for Class 2 (rural/high-speed). Only white retroreflective banding is permitted under TSRGD for public highway use.
Colour
All cones for public highway use must be fluorescent orange. White cones are for airside/airport use only. Other colours are for private land applications only and must not be used on public highways.
Buying Tips
- Don't specify 450mm cones for main road use — they're non-compliant
- Check cone weight matches BS EN 13422 minimums — underweight cones blow over in traffic wash
- Buy from reputable suppliers with BS EN 13422 certification documents available
Browse our full traffic cone range including 750mm and 1000mm highway specification cones.