The Specification for Highway Works (SHW) is a UK procurement and delivery framework used across highways projects. When thermoplastic road marking work is procured under SHW, the emphasis shifts from "apply markings" to "deliver a defined outcome with clear evidence": what materials are used, how the work is installed, how performance intent is addressed, and what acceptance checks and handover documentation are expected.
SHW Series 1200 (road markings) is typically used to standardise requirements across a network so that contractors, local authorities and designers share a consistent baseline.
How SHW fits with guidance and standards
Correct use and layouts
Procurement, delivery, evidence
Performance and material terminology
Related documents:
What SHW means in practice for thermoplastic road markings
SHW-driven work typically expects you to be clear on:
- What markings are required and where (drawings/schedules)
- Substrate assumptions and how surface preparation will be managed
- Method selection suitable for the geometry and stress zones
- Night visibility intent (beads) and any wet visibility intent
- Acceptance checks and defect/snagging expectations
- Handover evidence (photos, as-installed notes, method summary)
Common reasons SHW-based projects run into issues
Reduce these risks: Specification checklist →
Method selection in SHW-style work
- Extrusion thermoplastic →
- Screed thermoplastic →
- Spray thermoplastic →
- Profiled (rumble) thermoplastic →
- Preformed thermoplastic repairs →
What to include in a SHW-aligned quote request
- Drawings / marking schedules + site list
- Approximate quantities (line metres, symbol counts)
- Access windows and whether lanes must remain live
- Traffic management expectation (or request bidders to propose)
- Removal/refresh scope (explicitly stated)
- Substrate condition notes + photos (wide + close-up)
- Identification of high-wear zones
- Acceptance expectations and handover evidence requirements
A practical copy/paste clause for SHW-style briefs
"Thermoplastic road markings to be delivered to the project's specification framework, with a method statement covering surface preparation, primer approach where required, application method, bead strategy for night visibility where required, and acceptance checks. Provide handover evidence including photos, as-installed notes, and a summary of the installed system."
For a complete structure: Specification checklist →