Workers in construction, maintenance, utilities, landscaping, emergency services, and all other occupations who may carry out activities on or alongside the road are at risk of different dangers. So, a traffic control permit becomes a necessity when you carry on construction work on or near the roads.
What is a Traffic Control Permit?
Traffic control permit refers to the permit that one needs to install and use temporary signaling devices to protect workers and move road users safely through a work area.
To carry out work that affects road traffic, (construction) companies need a traffic law order from the locally and technically responsible road traffic authority before they start.
Before you get a traffic control permit, it’s essential to have a traffic management plan in place.
A traffic management plan is usually needed to identify traffic hazards and determine the necessary signage measures. It can be defined as strategies designed to safely mitigate the impact of road construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, incident management, and special events to preserve the mobility and safety of workers. You have to plan the diversion of traffic so that the movement of vehicles does not threaten the safety of workers, and so that the work does not endanger other road users.
A good traffic plan will show:
- How to cordon off and mark workplaces
- Whether and how traffic is to be restricted, directed and regulated, even if the road is partially closed
- Whether and how companies have to mark closed roads and detours.
Accordingly, the instructions are to be followed and traffic lights are to be operated.
When do you need the traffic control permit?
- To set up a construction site on public road land, you need a special use permit from the responsible road and green space office. - A Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA) is required for work on VicRoads-owned roads.
- When you have to redirect the vehicles and other passengers because of the road work done at a particular place.
- When you are designing the traffic management plan
- When you need to set up the signage and safety barriers near the construction site
- When you need to clean and maintain signs and equipment
How is traffic regulated once a contractor gets the traffic control permit?
Wherever possible, the hierarchy of control measures like elimination, engineering, and administrative measures should be used.
- Elimination measures: Ideally, the elimination of hazards should start at the design phase by considering the structures, materials, processes and measures that would allow minimal and safe maintenance.
- Engineering controls: If total closure is not possible, a written traffic management plan should be prepared. Use barriers or other devices to channel traffic and, if possible, provide physical separation between the work area and passing vehicles.
- Administrative measures: Schedule most of the work during off-peak hours or during the night, when traffic is light. Appoint a competent supervisor to set up and monitor the work area. Communicate the plan to workers and train the workers who will work, install and remove signs or barriers in the work area. Particular attention should be paid to the preparation and installation phase, as these workers will be at a higher risk of injury.
Required documents to get a traffic control permit:
- Application to the road traffic authority
- with information about the location of the job
- and the time frame of the work
- Arrange traffic sign plan or dimensioned site plan
- Dispositional traffic sign plan
- or when using the standard plans: a dimensioned site plan with the requested traffic/safety measures
Average time of processing for getting a traffic control permit:
The average time is 10 working days if the traffic management plan shall meet the requirements of the Road Management Act Worksite Safety – Traffic Management Code of Practice 2004.
General tips to follow near road works:
- Do not work at the edge or outside the work area.
- Do not park the vehicle on the side where vehicles are travelling.
- Work facing the oncoming vehicles.
- If the presence of a flagger is deemed necessary, place an appropriate sign in the warning zone to indicate their presence, except in an emergency.
- Control the release of dust which may reduce visibility by periodically spraying the area with water.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure equipment is well maintained.
- Ensure work vehicles are highly visible (mark sides and rear of vehicle with reflective tape) and clean.
- Ensure that signaling devices are removed or covered when no longer required.
During road works, it’s essential to follow all the safety rules and take necessary permits to safeguard both your workers and passengers.
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