New Event Traffic Management requirements#
Frequently asked questions#
From 1 December 2022, all Event Traffic Management in Queensland must comply with the new Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) standards including any associated Traffic Management Plans (TMP) and Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGS). These new standards have been adopted to improve the safety for traffic controllers, road workers and members of the community travelling around, past and through work sites.
Why are there new Event Traffic Management requirements?#
In December 2019 Austroads released the new Australian Standard AS1742.3 Traffic Control for works on roads and the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM). Together, these national documents detail the standards for temporary traffic management devices and best practice guidance at roadwork sites. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) aligned their technical guidance with these documents through the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Queensland Guide Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM). Importantly, these standards apply to traffic management associated with both roadwork sites and events.
What do these changes mean for events and event organisers?#
The adoption of the new TTM standards means all event TMP and TGS will need to be reviewed and, in some cases, amended to reflect the new standards. However, if event traffic control is carried out exclusively by Queensland Police Service (QPS), those arrangements will not be impacted. QPS can control traffic and direct road users under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 and can do so without the need for a TMP, TGS or support from traffic control companies.
Is TMR supporting event organisers understand these new requirements?#
To assist organisers with the transition to the new requirements TMR provided an additional twelve-month optional adoption period for events. However, this optional adoption period ceased on 1 December 2022 and the new standards became compulsory.
December 2022#
TMR is committed to supporting the local community, sporting groups and event organisers by making it easier for them to hold events. A new flowchart has been developed that outlines the process and provides relevant links. Organisers can download the latest version from the Traffic Management at Special Events webpage. Other guidance materials about event and traffic management to support organisers in managing their next event can be found on the Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) webpage.
Why is traffic management needed for special events?#
Traffic management activities associated with local community, sporting and special interest group events often require roads to be temporarily closed to allow the event to proceed. In these cases, the flow of traffic or the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in the vicinity of the event needs to be managed. Special events are usually held in local communities, on low-speed roads, and where there are significantly fewer vehicles being impacted. Event organisers have an obligation to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to minimise potential risks for event attendees, volunteers and workers. They are also required to manage the impact of the special event on road users not taking part in the event. Importantly, TTM standards apply to both roadwork sites and traffic management associated with events.
Will this change also affect requirements for Local Road Authorities?#
Local governments have a responsibility to comply with relevant legislative requirements including those related to workplace and public safety. The MUTCD is specifically named in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management Act) 1995 (TORUM). This means that, from 1 December 2022, all road authorities in Queensland must adhere to the requirements legislated in TORUM in relation to MUTCD and related TTM standards.
Where can I find the new Event Traffic Management Design Guideline?#
The Event Traffic Management Design Guideline (ETMDG) has been updated to reflect the new TTM requirements that apply from 1 December 2022. The ETMDG now references the new standards and specifications in the Queensland MUTCD Part 3 and QGTTM documents.
Where can I get further information?#
TMR has a number of technical standards and webpages to find more information about traffic management. Click on the below links to find out more about:
- TMR's Traffic Management for special events webpage, and download a copy of TMR's Event traffic management flow chart
- Queensland Guide Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM)
- Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- Queensland's TTM guidelines
- National TTM standards including the AGTTM visit the Austroads webpage
Alternatively, you can email the Traffic Engineering team via email at TrafficEngineering.Support@tmr.qld.gov.au.
