1Video record keeping of traffic management at roadworks#

1.1General#

It is a requirement that supervisory personnel at roadworks sites collect and retain appropriate records in line with the requirements of the QGTTM, and where applicable the MRTS02 Provision for Traffic. Adequate record keeping is important for managing speed compliance where enforcement measures are being undertaken by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), and in the event of an incident and subsequent legal proceedings, if any. To improve the capability of site staff in meeting their record keeping requirements, the QGTTM recognises that video record keeping is an acceptable alternative method for recording the details of the traffic control devices on site (Section 7.5 of AGTTM06-19). This chapter has been developed to provide guidance for the collection of video records as part of the recordkeeping process of traffic guidance schemes at roadworks sites.

1.2Purposes for which video records may be required#

There are three purposes for which video records are to potentially be used:

  1. 1.Maintain a record of the presence, location and quality of the Traffic Guidance Scheme signs and devices as installed which can be used in the event that a claim is made due to a road traffic incident.
  2. 2.Maintain a record of the presence, location and quality of the installed speed limit signs in the event that a speeding infringement is challenged.
  3. 3.To allow post application review and auditing of the implementation of the traffic guidance scheme (TGS).

It must be noted that this video record could also validate an incident claim against the contractor, the principal contractor or the department, or invalidate a speeding infringement, in the event that they demonstrate the TGS installation is not in accordance with either the Queensland MUTCD, QGTTM or the TGS plan.

1.3Application of this guidance#

Reviews of suitable camera equipment by the department has revealed that appropriate cameras can be considered a relatively low-cost item. It is recognised that the primary implications, for those personnel undertaking a review and recording of the TGS installation in accordance with the QGTTM, is the filing and storage of video records. The decision to enforce the use of video recording will be at the discretion of the Principal.

1.3.1Video camera specification#

Any video footage taken is required to be taken from the driver's perspective and to capture each of the following:

  1. a)TGS signs and devices:
  2. i.Be able to correctly visually identify each sign and device.
  3. ii.View the sign / device location.
  4. iii.View the orientation of the sign / device, including whether it has been displaced or knocked.
  5. iv.View the condition – damage, dirt, colour etc.
  6. b)Identify the visual presence or otherwise of permanent traffic control devices.

These outcomes represent the minimum requirements for any in-car video recording. To achieve this outcome the following represent the typical specifications required for a video camera.

  1. a)Resolution – minimum 1080 Full HD Recording:
  2. i.Minimum 1920 × 1080 Pixels, and
  3. ii.Minimum 25 frames per second
  4. b)Viewing Angle – Wide: minimum of 145 degrees, preferably 170 degrees.
  5. c)GPS - coordinates shall be in decimal degrees format and in one of the following Datums:
  6. i.World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), or
  7. ii.Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94), or
  8. iii.Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020), and
  9. iv.GPS data to be stored either directly onto the video image or recorded in the file metadata and must include the Datum.
  10. d)Time and date stamping in Australian Eastern Standard Time (Coordinated Universal Time + 10 hours). Time and date stamping data to be stored either directly onto the video image or recorded in the file metadata.
  11. e)Microphone with sufficient clarity to allow the recording officer to verbally record observations at the time of the video capture.
  12. f)Data file format to be suitable for reading by standard media players. Camera specific formats which require specific non-standard software to playback shall not be used.

1.3.2Video recording practice#

The following describes the preferred practice for video recording. This practice provides a strong level of legal support in defence of any action arising from alleged deficiencies in the TGS:

  1. i.Prior to starting the run the officer undertaking the recording should visually identify themselves and confirm and the required details listed in the Part 6 of QGTTM.
  2. ii.The inclusion of a recognisable landmark or feature that visually confirms the location is also required. This may include a particular unique guidance sign, route maintenance marker, landmark or infrastructure (e.g. a unique bridge design).
  3. iii.With the camera correctly mounted, the driver should then proceed through the site in the same manner as a typical driver behaving legally.
  4. iv.The recording officer should make a verbal note of all of the observations and features that are observed. This may include reading off each of the signs on the TGS for confirmation of their presence on site.

1.3.3Record keeping#

All video records shall be retained by the Contractor in accordance with the Limitations of Actions Act 1974, for actions associated with personal injury (including the duration required for any claims to be resolved).

Records shall be provided to the Contract Administrator at the end of each month or upon request. All records should be provided at the completion of the contract.

Source: TM at Works on Roads Guideline · pages 97–99 Open PDF at this page Search this document