Top 7 Traffic Cone Safety Best Practices

Traffic cones are more than just bright orange signs on today's busy urban roads. They are necessary to keep people safe around events, construction sites, roadworks, and other similar areas. Although traffic cones are easy to understand, using them incorrectly can cause confusion, collisions, and legal trouble. It is important to use traffic cones responsibly and efficiently, whether you're a contractor, event planner, or facilities manager.

At Street Solutions UK, we offer a wide selection of high-quality and durable traffic cones suitable for different use cases. If you are in the market for high-visibility and premium options, check out our collection. Give us a call, and we can guide you towards the right options.

Here are the 7 best practices for traffic cone safety to make sure you have the greatest amount of visibility, protection, and follow-through.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Traffic Cones

1. Choose the Right Type and Size of Cone

There are several different types of road cones. The type and size of the cone can change a lot depending on where it is to be placed. Variants in the UK include:

• 500mm cones work well on low-speed roads (less than 40mph)
• 750mm cones are suitable for higher-speed roads
• 1000mm cones can be used on motorways or in hazardous areas

Choose cones that meet BS EN 13422 standards for appearance and functionality. Consider reflective collars for visibility in low-light conditions.

Tip: Mini or lightweight PVC cones could be more suitable for indoor settings like parking garages or warehouses.

2. Place Cones with Proper Spacing and Alignment

Drivers and pedestrians may become confused by improperly placed cones. Traffic cones must be positioned and spaced in line with the site's speed restrictions and danger level for safety and clarity.

A general guideline:

• At low speeds, taper sections (used to guide traffic) typically have a spacing of one cone per 1.5 metres.
• Longitudinal spacing (to designate lanes) can range from 9m to 45m, subject to road speed.

Always arrange cones in a straight, continuous line, and avoid irregular or zigzag designs. Larger places may need a layout plan.

3. Use High-Visibility Cones Day and Night

Cone safety relies heavily on visibility. Road cones should be brightly coloured (usually fluorescent orange) and equipped with reflective sleeves or collars, especially when used at night or in inclement weather conditions.

For nighttime use or low-light environments, consider:

• Class R2 reflective collars
• Illuminated cones or attachable warning lights
• LED cone lamps with steady or flashing settings

Do not rely on faded or worn cones, as they can become nearly invisible at twilight or in heavy weather.

4. Stabilise Cones in Windy or High-Traffic Areas

One of the most serious risks associated with traffic cones is that they can easily be blown over or knocked down. This not only renders them ineffective, but it also creates trip hazards and distracts vehicles.

To prevent cones from falling:

• Use weighted bases or cones that have heavy rubber bottoms
• Add cone stabilisers or sandbags for further support
• Avoid putting cones too close to swiftly moving traffic, where backdrafts can knock them over.

Remember that cone stability is essential for long-term setups or open locations exposed to wind.

5. Incorporate Warning Signs and Barriers with Cones

Road cones are effective, but they may not be able to provide precise information. Cones should be paired with warning signs, safety barriers, or retractable tape in complex zones like roadworks, detours, or construction sites.

This improves the visibility and credibility of your makeshift traffic control.

Examples include:

• “Men at Work” signs behind cones
• Cone bars to block vehicle access
• Temporary traffic signs mounted on cones or separate stands

Combining visual signals increases motorist and pedestrian compliance while lowering the likelihood of confusion.

6. Inspect and Replace Damaged Cones Regularly

Cones, like any safety equipment, deteriorate with time as a result of weather exposure, UV radiation, and physical impact. A broken or unclean cone may lose visibility and structural integrity, jeopardising safety.

Create a simple inspection checklist:

• Check for fading colour or worn reflective sleeves
• Look for cracks, dents, or splits
• Replace cones that no longer stand upright

Regular maintenance not only enhances safety, but it also guarantees that health and safety laws are followed, especially by companies and contractors.

7. Train Staff and Follow Local Safety Guidelines

Many accidents are caused by a lack of awareness or faulty placement rather than by traffic cones themselves. Anyone in charge of deploying or managing cones should have received training in safe traffic control practices.

Key training points:

• Proper spacing and placement for different environments
• How to work safely near live traffic
• Emergency removal or repositioning protocols

Furthermore, it is important to always adhere to Highway Code recommendations, Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, and local authority standards. Make sure cones are considered in your overall risk evaluation and site safety strategy.

Final Thoughts

Traffic cones are an essential component of temporary traffic and safety control, but only when utilised properly. You can set up safer settings for workers, cars, and pedestrians by following best practices, like selecting the correct cone, carefully installing it, maintaining visibility, and educating your staff.

Every cone counts, whether you're organising a large event, maintaining roadways, or guiding cars in a warehouse. Invest in high-quality traffic cones, utilise them responsibly, and always prioritise safety.

Need reliable traffic cones and accessories?

Visit Street Solutions UK to explore a wide range of high-quality cones for all environments, including roadworks, events, construction, and warehouse use.