Whether it’s a quiet backstreet, a busy thoroughfare, or a main highway, when works are carried out on or near roads there are a number of risks posed to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. To ensure the safety of all workers and road users, a traffic management plan (TMP) is always required for any works near roads, regardless of the nature, duration, or complexity. Read on to find out more.
A TMP is a Legislative Requirement
The Road Safety Act 1986 requires any person conducting works on a road to ‘have in operation a traffic management plan’ and that the traffic management plan (TMP) ‘comply with the prescribed requirements’ of any relevant Regulations, being the Road Safety (Traffic Management) Regulations.Further, any person responsible for conducting works on a road that is open to traffic (traffic meaning vehicle users, cyclists, and pedestrians) has a duty of care under common law to take all reasonable measures to prevent accident or injury to persons carrying out the works and also to members of the public using the road.
Any construction company or business that requires its employees to undertake work on or near a road environment must have a compliant TMP in place designed by a suitably qualified professional. This falls in line with employer’s duty of care, whereby they must eliminate any risk to health and safety.
What is the Role of a TMP?
The purpose of a TMP is to ensure that workers are safe from passing vehicle traffic and that pedestrians in the area are kept safe from the work activity being proposed. A TMP is a prepared document that considers various risk factors, including but not limited to:
- the location of the work
- the type of work activity
- work duration
- speed of the road
- volume of vehicles and pedestrians
- duration of work
- how the work will be undertaken
- the occupation area
The complexity of the TMP or the traffic management strategy and traffic management devices/safety measures requiring implementation may vary according to the work activity being undertaken. In simple terms, a TMP is always required, however complexity of the TMP typically mirrors the impact and complexity of the work activity.
What If I Don’t Have a TMP?
A coordinating road authority (either local council or VicRoads) will always request to see the TMP before issuing a road or footpath occupation permit. The absence of a TMP and the appropriate approvals prior to completing any form of works on or near a road can lead to significant fines by WorkSafe, Council or VicRoads, and you may be at risk of prosecution should any member of the work crew or public be hurt as a result of the works.
How to Prepare a Traffic Management Plan?
Ensuring your TMP is properly prepared, includes all the necessary information, and meets all industry codes and regulations, can be overwhelming and difficult for many businesses. That’s why it’s important to seek the assistance of a professional TMP company. As industry experts, they will have the knowledge and experience to prepare and deliver a well-rounded plan that fulfils all requirements from authorities.
The Traffic Plans Company is your trusted choice for reliable, affordable, comprehensive plans that are designed to get through council approvals smoothly. We work with clients and industry partners to create highly specialised traffic plan solutions. Get a free quote or request a plan online now.
The Traffic Plans Company specialise in quality traffic management plans and planning around Melbourne and other areas of Australia.
