Essential Hi-Vis Workwear for Road & Traffic Teams (2025 UK Guide)
Working on or near live carriageways is one of the highest-risk environments in the UK. Visibility, weather protection and comfort directly affect safety and productivity. This guide explains what road and traffic teams need from hi-vis workwear, how to choose the right classes and colours, and where OAKLINE fits alongside established brands such as Portwest, PULSAR and ELKA.
Always follow your company RAMS and the principal contractor’s requirements. Site rules may exceed the minimum standards below.
1) The standards that matter (plain English)
EN ISO 20471 – The visibility standard for hi-vis clothing.
Class 3: Highest conspicuity, typically full hi-vis jackets or combined garments.
Class 2: Vests/bodywarmers and certain tops; acceptable for some roles but many highway activities require Class 3 outerwear.
Colour – Yellow is common across highways; Orange is often required for traffic management and when working near rail. Always confirm with the job spec.
EN 343 – Waterproof/breathable protection. Look for taped seams, storm flaps and tested breathability if you’re working in prolonged rain.
2) The essential kit list (by layer)
Base layer
Moisture-wicking T-shirt or long sleeve. In winter, add a thermal base.
Hi-vis colour on the base is useful but does not replace a compliant outer garment.
Core hi-vis layer
Class 3 jacket for live carriageways and night work.
Hi-vis bodywarmer for cold, dry days or as a mid-layer (ensure your full system meets the required class).
Executive vest (with ID pocket and radio loop) for banksmen and traffic marshals when Class 2 is permitted.
Shell / weather layer
Water-resistant jacket handles light rain and spray.
Waterproof EN 343 shell is needed in heavy or prolonged downpours.
A modern-cut outer that balances durability and value for money. Tough fabric, storm flap features, zipped storage and segmented reflective tape for better movement. Available in Yellow and Orange.
Important to note: The Kimi is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. It will handle showers and spray but in persistent rain you’ll want a certified EN 343 waterproof shell on top.
A best-value insulated bodywarmer designed for crews who need mobility (signage, cone handling, banksmen duties). Sleeveless cut, insulated baffles and practical pockets. Available in Yellow and Orange.
Note: The Tod is water-resistant, ideal in cold, dry or drizzly conditions. In heavy rain, wear it under a waterproof jacket.
The Kimi + waterproof trousers; The Tod underneath for warmth
High-speed roads / night works
Often Orange
Class 3, reflective + EN 343 in wet
The Kimi (water-resistant) layered under a full EN 343 shell
Supervisors / inspectors
Yellow or Orange
Class 2–3 depending on site rules
The Blake vest; add The Kimi for Class 3
Winter operations
Yellow or Orange
Class 3 + insulation
The Tod mid-layer + The Kimi; upgrade to ELKA/PULSAR shell in prolonged rain
6) Weather & season planner
Mild & Dry (spring/autumn):
The Robin (base) + The Tod (bodywarmer).
Wet & Windy (typical UK):
The Robin + The Kimi (water-resistant outer). For heavy rain, add an EN 343 waterproof shell.
Cold & Dry (winter days):
Thermal base + The Robin + The Tod. Add The Kimi to block wind.
Cold & Wet (prolonged exposure):
Thermal base + The Robin + The Tod + The Kimi. Switch to PULSAR or ELKA waterproof shells for all-day rain.
7) OAKLINE vs leading brands: comparison snapshot
Brand / Focus
Strengths for Road & Traffic Teams
When to choose
OAKLINE
Modern cuts, strong visibility, excellent team value, water-resistant outers for everyday roadside tasks.
Default choice for most crews needing affordable, compliant workwear.
Portwest
Large range, easy uniform continuity.
Best when you want consistent kit across multiple garments.
PULSAR
Technical outerwear, full waterproof EN 343 shells, rail-compliant orange.
Heavily orange-led contracts, rail interfaces, heavy rain.
ELKA
Premium foul-weather and insulation.
Ideal for exposed, wet or freezing conditions.
8) Common mistakes to avoid
Using a vest when Class 3 is required. Outer layer should always meet site spec.
Choosing the wrong colour. Many contracts specify orange; check before ordering.
Confusing water-resistant with waterproof. Water-resistant garments (like OAKLINE) are fine in light rain, but you’ll need a certified EN 343 waterproof for prolonged exposure.
Over-branding. Don’t block reflective tape with logos.
Not replacing worn kit. Faded or cracked reflective tape reduces safety.
9) FAQs
What colour hi-vis should traffic teams wear? Many highways and traffic contracts specify orange. Yellow is common on general sites, but always check RAMS and site rules.
Do traffic marshals need Class 3? Often yes—especially near live lanes or at night. Class 3 jackets give maximum visibility.
Is a bodywarmer enough in winter? A bodywarmer like The Tod keeps the core warm but needs to be layered under a jacket for Class 3 compliance and weather protection.
What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? Water-resistant garments (like The Kimi or The Tod) handle showers and spray. Waterproof garments (EN 343 certified, e.g. ELKA, PULSAR) withstand prolonged heavy rain.
Final word
For most road and traffic teams, OAKLINE’s water-resistant hi-vis range (The Kimi jacket, The Tod bodywarmer, The Blake vest and The Robin tee) delivers the best mix of visibility, mobility and cost-efficiency.
When the job demands more—such as rail certification, prolonged heavy rain or extreme cold—then Portwest, PULSAR and ELKA provide the specialist garments to match.
The key is to layer correctly, choose the right colour and class, and ensure every operative has compliant kit ready for the shift.
