What is BS EN 50556 - Road traffic signal systems about?

BS EN 50556 specifies requirements for road traffic signal systems, including their development, design, testing, installation, and maintenance.

BS EN 50556 forms the electrotechnical part of the following two standards issued by CEN:

BS EN 12368, Traffic control equipment ― Signal heads
BS EN 12675, Traffic signal controllers ― Functional safety requirements

Each of these standards above will be used with BS EN 50556 either singly or together to define operational equipment or system. This will be achieved by using the electrotechnical methods and testing defined in BS EN 50556.

Note: BS EN 50556 is applicable to traffic signal control equipment permanently and temporarily installed, and portable traffic control equipment, except for portable traffic signal equipment only capable of controlling alternate/shuttle working lanes.

Who is BS EN 50556 - Road traffic signal systems for?

BS EN 50556 on road traffic signal systems is useful for:

Traffic signal systems installers
Road traffic signal systems and signal board manufacturers
Traffic signal controllers
Local government authorities
Transportation service providers

Why should you use BS EN 50556 - Road traffic signal systems?

Road Traffic Signal Controllers provide safe and smooth road traffic by conducting road traffic control in accordance with the time of day and the road traffic conditions.

In this regard, BS EN 50556 provides methods and criteria to assess the performance of road traffic signal systems equipment under typical roadside conditions.

BS EN 50556 also ensures product failure is prevented thus minimizing the risk of injury for road users. BS EN 50556 specifies requirements for road traffic signal systems which will make easier development, design, testing, installation, and maintenance process.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 50556:2018 supersedes BS EN 50556:2011, which is withdrawn.

BS EN 50556:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50556:2011.

These include:

Change in the scope to cover non-permanent signals of a certain level of complexity
Correct the normative usage of shall and should within the whole document
Change of the definition of “Road traffic signal system” to fulfil formal requirements
Modification of accommodate new forms of architecture that are seen as possible in the future, an adaptation to the level of technology

BS EN 50556:2018

Road traffic signal systems

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Oct 2018