JCT Unveils Cutting-Edge Traffic Signal Design Course
When it comes to traffic signals in the UK, few names ring louder than JCT. While the consultancy is well-known for hosting the annual Traffic Signals Symposium each September, its influence stretches far beyond the conference floor.
JCT has firmly positioned itself at the heart of signal innovation, training, and consultancy, offering tools like the LinSig software and tailored advice to local authorities navigating increasingly complex road networks.
Now, JCT is taking another leap forward. They’ve just announced a brand-new professional training offering: the Traffic Signal Design course. This four-day intensive programme, launching in November 2025, is set to sharpen the skills of traffic professionals and reinforce best practice in permanent traffic signal design.
John Nightingale, long-standing JCT expert, will lead the course alongside seasoned consultant Chris Kennett. Together, they bring decades of experience into a curriculum that promises to blend theory with real-world applications.
“The course requires a degree of prior knowledge including a reasonable understanding of Phases, Stages, Intergreens and calculation methodologies leading to Degree of Saturation and Practical Reserve Capacity” says Nightingale.
He adds: “These topics are comprehensively covered on the JCT Introduction to Traffic Signals and Basic Introduction to Traffic Signals courses. The course also makes use of LinSig software, so ideally attendees will have at least basic skills with LinSig. For any attendees who do not have basic signals knowledge and/or are not familiar with the LinSig software a free, one day online refresher training course will be offered in advance of the Traffic Signal Design course.”
From Concept to Commissioning: What the Course Covers
The new Traffic Signal Design course isn’t just a glorified lecture series. It’s a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of signal design, tailored for professionals who are ready to take on the full design journey. Participants will leave with the ability to take a project from initial idea all the way through to operational deployment.
Expect a mixture of comprehensive lectures, hands-on exercises, and collaborative team projects. Training laptops, complete with all relevant software, will be provided along with an array of course materials to support each module.
Here’s a snapshot of what attendees will get to grips with:
- Core principles of permanent traffic signal design
- Introduction to TOPAS standards and controller specifications
- Risk management through the lens of CDM 2015
- Conceptual and geometric design
- Pedestrian and active travel facility integration in line with LTN 1/20
- Adaptive signal control systems such as MOVA and SCOOT
- Controller logic, visibility design, and hardware requirements
- Advanced junction techniques like parallel stage streaming and signalised roundabouts
- Maintenance considerations and phase delays
- A full-team major design project to cap the experience
The First Course
The inaugural Traffic Signal Design course will be held from 25 to 28 November 2025 in Leeds. And that’s just the beginning. JCT plans to roll out more sessions based on demand, which seems likely given the relevance and timing.
As cities adapt to post-pandemic travel patterns, smart signals and resilient design are no longer optional extras—they’re essential tools. JCT’s latest course couldn’t come at a better time for engineers who need to navigate this new landscape with confidence.
JCT’s Training Legacy
Training isn’t new territory for JCT. The firm has long been at the forefront of skills development for traffic professionals, offering a suite of courses on topics ranging from signal fundamentals to advanced modelling using LinSig.
This new addition slots perfectly into JCT’s broader educational strategy. For those who might be missing some of the prerequisites, the company even offers a free, one-day online refresher course prior to the main event.
“We’re not just delivering content; we’re building competence,” Nightingale remarks. And that mission is evident in how meticulously the course is structured.
The JCT Traffic Signals Symposium
No conversation about JCT would be complete without mentioning its flagship event: the Traffic Signals Symposium and Exhibition. What started back in 1996 as a way to bring signal engineers and manufacturers together has blossomed into the UK’s premier signal-focused conference.
The two-day event (preceded by the MOVA user group session) balances deep technical content with networking opportunities and engaging social events. It has cemented its role as an accessible and affordable hub for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and camaraderie.
It’s not just for industry veterans either. The symposium encourages participation across the board, from fresh-faced engineers to experienced consultants, creating a melting pot of ideas and best practices.
Keeping Pace with a Changing Landscape
Transport infrastructure in the UK is in the midst of a transformation. As net-zero goals loom large and the push for active travel accelerates, traffic signals must adapt. The design of these systems is no longer just about vehicle flow; it’s about safety, sustainability, and future-readiness.
With policy shifts around walking, cycling, and accessibility (notably LTN 1/20), engineers need to be fluent in modern standards and adaptable to evolving demands. JCT’s new course bridges that gap, giving professionals the tools to design systems that serve everyone—from pedestrians to freight drivers.
Why This Course Matters
Let’s face it, traffic signal design has never been a glamourous part of urban infrastructure, but it’s a critical one. The right signal design can ease congestion, prevent accidents, and support sustainable travel choices.
By building on JCT’s established reputation and drawing on the expertise of two seasoned professionals, the new Traffic Signal Design course promises to raise the bar across the industry. It’s not just another CPD box-ticker; it’s a career-defining opportunity for practitioners eager to stay ahead of the curve.
A Bright Signal Ahead
As urban mobility challenges become more nuanced and demands on road networks grow, professionals need every advantage they can get. With its new Traffic Signal Design course, JCT is stepping up once again, offering a training experience that’s as rigorous as it is relevant.
For local authorities, consultancies, and engineers alike, it could be just the green light they need.
