Signs 344_26
Framework Description
Signs 344_26 is ESPO's current signage framework, covering standard and bespoke signs for internal, external and highways use. Its eight lots run from catalogue health and safety signs and corporate signs to road name, electronic, wayfinding, vehicle activated, temporary traffic and EV charging point signs. It was procured under the Procurement Act 2023, is not a DPS and runs from 17 April 2026 to 16 April 2028, with an option to extend to 16 April 2030.
Context & Use Case
Highway authorities, councils, schools and other public bodies use 344_26 for everything from replacing street name plates and temporary traffic signs for roadworks to new wayfinding in a hospital or civic centre. Call-offs can be made without competition or through a further competitive selection process, depending on how standard the requirement is.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Health and safety and related signs (ESPO catalogue) Lot 2: Corporate signs Lot 3: Road name signs Lot 4: Electronic signs Lot 5: Wayfinding signs, including interactive Lot 6: Permanent vehicle activated signs and equipment Lot 7: Temporary traffic signs Lot 8: Permanent traffic and EV charging point signs, posts and fixings
Lots
Lot 1 Health and Safety and Related Signs (ESPO Catalogue); Lot 2 Corporate Signs; Lot 3 Road Name Signs; Lot 4 Electronic Signs; Lot 5 Wayfinding Signs (Including Interactive); Lot 6 Permanent Vehicle Activated Signs and Associated Equipment; Lot 7 Temporary Traffic Signs; Lot 8 Permanent Traffic and Electric Vehicle Charging Point Signs, and Associated Posts, Fixings and Attachments
Who Can Apply
Suits sign manufacturers, highway sign specialists, electronic and vehicle activated sign suppliers and wayfinding designers. 344_26 is closed to new applications until ESPO re-procures, likely around 16 April 2028 or, if extended, 16 April 2030.
Buyer Benefits
Separate highway lots mean authorities can buy road name, temporary traffic and EV charging signs from specialists who know the regulations. Catalogue ordering under Lot 1 makes everyday safety signs simple to buy, while competition suits larger wayfinding or vehicle activated sign schemes.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should promote their lots to highway and estates teams and keep product data and installation capacity ready for competitions. Others should check the 344_26 page on espo.org, decide which lots match their products and gather public sector case studies and standards evidence before the re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
Under 344_26, larger signage schemes go to competition, and that is where Athena can help appointed suppliers. Our bid strategy and writing service builds win themes around design, compliance and installation, and tests your score against rival sign makers.
For businesses outside the framework, our framework onboarding support prepares you for ESPO's re-tender, and our public sector bid help can win you direct council and highway signage contracts in the meantime.
