It’s not just about keeping traffic moving – it’s about keeping people safe, minimising disruption, and making sure your site runs smoothly from start to finish.
At SRL, we work with everyone from local authorities and utilities to arborists and independent contractors. We know that no two jobs are the same – so here’s a simple guide to help you figure out which signal setup is right for your project.
1. How Long Will You Be on Site?
One of the first things to consider is the duration of your works.
- If you’re only on site for a few hours or days – say you’re trimming trees, fixing a leak, or inspecting a bridge – you need something fast, easy, and reliable. Our RadioLight portable traffic lights are a great choice. They’re lightweight, quick to set up, and perfect for short-term jobs with minimal fuss. Our Rapid Response portable traffic lights are ideal for same-day works – and are easily transported in your vehicle.
- For longer-term works – especially if your site’s going to be active for weeks or months — you might want something sophisticated. Our Urban64 system gives you all the functionality of permanent traffic signals but with the flexibility of a temporary solution. It’s perfect for bigger schemes like road redesigns, junction works, or high-traffic urban areas – and as a cabled solution, there are no pesky battery exchanges. If it’s long-term but not overly complicated, SolarLight is a temporary solution (bigger than portable traffic lights, and not on wheels), that could be a good fit. SolarLight benefits from dual-aspect solar panels which enable the system to run for months on end without a battery exchange.
2. How Complex is the Job?
Some jobs are nice and straightforward. Others… not so much.
- For simple, two-way traffic, standard portable signals usually do the job just fine. Add-ons like pedestrian phases can be included if you need them.
- But if you’re working on a busy junction, dealing with multiple traffic phases, or operating near a sensitive site like a school or hospital, you’ll want something smarter. Something like our Multiphase ADS (UltraLight and EuroLight portable traffic lights) are ideal for handling complex setups safely and efficiently. It uses radar to detect queues and automatically adjusts green times based on live conditions – so you can keep traffic flowing without needing someone on site all day.
3. What’s the Traffic Like?
It’s important to think about how much traffic you’re expecting.
- On quiet country roads, standard portable lights like RadioLight are often more than enough. You don’t need bells and whistles – just reliable kit that works first time.
- On busy roads or city centres, though, you need a bit more control. That’s where remote monitoring can be a game-changer. Our REMOS traffic signals transmit live views of the road back to our dedicated control centre, where trained operators can intervene, adapting green times to improve traffic flow.
4. Do You Need to Think About Pedestrians?
If your site is in a town centre, near a school, or in a residential area, you may need to think about pedestrian safety too.
We offer pedestrian signals that are quick to deploy and fully compliant with all UK standards. And if you’re using our Urban64 system, you’ll also benefit from Walk-with-Traffic functionality, which reduces the impact of pedestrian movements on vehicles.
5. Where Are You Working?
The environment matters more than you might think.
- In urban areas, there’s often more pressure to minimise disruption — and more factors to consider, like buses, cyclists, and tight road space. You may need advanced signal setups and monitoring tools like Urban64, UltraLight and REMOS.
- Our SolarLight temporary traffic signals have a larger footprint (due to their four stability legs), which might be overbearing in small, tight roads and on pavements. On the other hand, these are perfect for rugged terrains, in environments like quarries.
What You Can Expect from SRL
No matter what kind of job you’re managing — large or small — SRL has a solution to match. Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- The UK and Ireland’s largest fleet of portable and temporary traffic signals
- 24/7 support, with nationwide coverage
- Flexible hire terms, from single-day hires to long-term setups, and purchase options
- A team that listens – we’ll help you get the right kit, not just the biggest or most expensive
Need Help Choosing? We’re Here for That
Whether you’re an arborist working a single lane closure or managing a major highways scheme, the right signal setup can save time, reduce hassle, and keep everyone safe.
Not sure what you need? Just give us a call or contact us online. Our team is always happy to talk through your options and get you sorted with the best setup for your job.
