1Scope and general#

1.2Normative references#

The following referenced documents also apply in Queensland:

• AS 4852.1 Variable Message Signs – Fixed Signs
• AS 4852.2 Variable Message Signs – Portable Signs

For details regarding traffic signs only used in Queensland, refer to the TC signs webpage.

1.3.5Innovative treatments#

Innovative treatments that provide improved safety, efficiency and/or value-for-money outcomes are encouraged. Such treatments may include:

1. a)innovative use of current devices
2. b)alternative device layouts using existing and/or improve devices, and/or
3. c)new devices or practices.

New or improved devices, treatments, or practices require approval by the Department of Transport and Main Roads prior to their use or adoption.

For trials of new or innovative traffic control devices, treatments or practices, a submission in accordance with the requirements of Clause 1.13 shall be submitted to TrafficEngineering.Support@tmr.qld.gov.au.

1.8Non-standard signs#

Authorities responsible for the erection of signs should not develop traffic control signs for their own particular use; however, there may be instances where no suitable standard sign exists. In such cases, the following procedures will apply to requests for special non-standard signs:

• a statement giving the detailed nature of the problem
• a description of the proposed sign, how it was developed, the way it deviates from the Manual, and how it is expected to be an improvement over the existing standard, and
• an illustration of the proposed sign, considering the shape, colours, reflectorisation, size and series of letters, size of sign and legend.

Any sign developed in this manner should comply with the design requirements specified in this Manual for the particular sign classification. Once the design of a non-standard sign has been determined, it shall be approved by the Director-General, Transport and Main Roads as an Official Traffic Sign prior to erection on a road. Guidance on the trial application of traffic control devices in a manner contrary to the criteria outlined in this Manual is provided in Clause 1.13. For details regarding traffic signs developed specifically for use in Queensland, refer to the TC signs webpage.

1.9Responsibility and authority for installation on public roads#

The Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) provides that Official Traffic Signs shall be installed only by the authority of the Director-General, Transport and Main Roads or a local government. The Act also provides that any such sign shall be installed in accordance with the methods, standards and procedures prescribed in this Manual, or other duly approved documents.

1.11Variable message signs#

Variable Message Signs (VMS) are designed to have one or more messages that may be displayed or deleted as required. Such a sign may be changed manually, by remote control or by automatic controls that can ‘sense’ the conditions that require special sign messages.

VMS shall comply with the following standards:

• AS 4852.1 Variable Message Signs – Fixed Signs.
• AS 4852.2 Variable Message Signs – Portable Signs.

It is essential that variable message signs comply with the principles established in this Manual and, to the extent practicable, with the design requirements and applications prescribed herein.

1.12Clearance to electrical infrastructure#

Traffic control devices shall not be installed within the clearance for electrical infrastructure. Minimum clearances are defined in the Queensland Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, these clearances shall be adhered to.

Minimum clearances are summarised in Transport and Main Roads Standard Drawing 1333 Traffic signals / Road Lighting / ITS – Minimum Clearance of Overhead Electric Lines from Ground and Structures.

1.13Trials of traffic control devices#

Trials of new traffic control devices or the application of existing devices in a manner contrary to the criteria in this Manual can be undertaken in accordance with this clause.

An application for a trial must encompass sufficient information to allow an informed decision to be made, including:

1. a)the purpose of the trial
2. b)the place where the trial is to be held
3. c)the period of the trial (not exceeding two years)
4. d)the terms and conditions of the trial, and
5. e)details of the proposed traffic control devices to be used (traffic control devices developed for use in the trial must comply with the design and location principles outlined in this Manual).

If the Department of Transport and Main Roads approves for the trial to proceed, an ‘approved notice’ under Section 166(2) of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 to install and maintain a traffic control device for trial purposes will be issued. The department may impose any other terms and conditions that are considered necessary, including, for example, a requirement to advertise details of the trial in a local newspaper in which the trial is to be held.