4Static events#

4.1Types#

Static events typically do not deviate from a specific location for the duration of the event, and participants and spectators at these events are physically isolated / separated from general traffic (even if the event is in close proximity to a roadway). Static events may occur for a short period of time, or over an extended period (for example, multiple days). Most events are static in nature, or at least involve some static arrangements as part of the event (for example, start / end locations for an on-road event). Static events can be broadly categorised as either on-road or off-road in nature. They can be held in a wide variety of locations such as:

purpose-built facilities
private land typically used for other purposes
public spaces, and
on public or private roads.

4.1.1On-road events#

At on-road static events all or part of the roadway becomes the event area at a fixed location for a period of time. This type of event may involve partial or full road closure, depending on the amount of space required for the event (participants and spectators) and traffic safety risks. As a result, they have the potential to significantly impact general traffic access and movements. Examples of on-road static events include:

street festivals
filming, and
community events (for example, PARKing Day).

4.1.1.1Diversion of traffic – detours#

Traffic management for events may require the diversion of traffic (that is, detours) around static on-road type of events. Requirements and recommendations for the operation of detours are given in the QGTTM Parts 2 and 3.

4.1.2Off-road events#

While events that take place off the roadway may not reduce traffic capacity due to lane closures, they may still introduce risks on the road network due to additional vehicle traffic and pedestrian activities associated with the event, particularly at event start and end times. Off-road events can also generate additional parking demands in the area and place additional demands on public transport and / or passenger transport services (for example, taxis or ride share).

Examples of off-road events include:

concerts and performances
markets (for example, farmers market / village markets)
sporting events
festivals, and
community events (for example, school fetes).

4.2Risks#

Regardless of whether the event is held on, adjacent to or well away from a roadway, the transport demands and movements associated with a static event need to be managed appropriately for the safety of the surrounding public and event participants. Specific risks associated with static events that may need to be considered include:

vehicle access (particularly at event start / end)
pedestrian access (particularly at event start / end)
crowds in proximity to general traffic (for example, queuing at points of entry)
pedestrian / vehicle conflict at access points or on the perimeter of the event
motorist distraction (for example, fireworks, LED screens)
parking and circulation (to prevent queuing on public roads)
local access, and
providing emergency access to events and maintaining emergency access to other properties.

4.3Specific considerations#

For static events with large patronage, alternative forms of transport (for example, public transport or personalised transport) to / from the event may need to be promoted in order to safely manage traffic operations and parking demands in the vicinity of the event. When promoting the use of public transport, the need for additional temporary arrangements should be considered. Liaison with public transport operators should occur to determine the feasibility of, and requirements for, these arrangements. Some examples of specific measures that may be required include:

additional services on existing public transport lines
specific bus / shuttle services to Park ’n’ Ride locations
temporary bus stops
wayfinding signage within the venue and temporary stop locations, and
crowd management at existing and temporary bus stops.

For large events in urban areas, there is likely to be an increased demand for personalised transport services (for example, taxis or ride-sharing). The availability of kerbside space (passenger loading / taxi zones) and the need to temporarily increase these provisions during events should be taken into consideration, including balancing walking distances with the need to avoid congestion at venue access points. Large static events may also potentially generate additional parking demands in concentrated areas. Careful consideration of the management of existing on-street parking and kerbside use allocations may be required, in addition to enforcement of restrictions. Events that do not take place at purpose-built facilities may require temporary parking or drop-off provisions for persons with disabilities close to pedestrian access points.