1Introduction#

A person authorised to control traffic in Queensland must be accredited by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (the department) under the Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). Complying with the Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure (TCASAP) is a statutory condition of a traffic controller accreditation.

The Scheme, administered by the department, establishes:

• the functions, responsibilities, and operational requirements for traffic controllers
• the prerequisites for accreditation including mandatory training requirements, and
• the processes for accrediting traffic controllers and for amending, suspending, or cancelling accreditation.

The department administers the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM). These documents set out the principles for developing, installing, and operating a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS); the description and use of signs and devices and procedures for installing and operating traffic control devices.

A person accredited under the Scheme is authorised to control traffic:

• at roadwork sites where a road closure or part road closure is necessary
• at events where a road closure or part road closure is necessary, and
• in other circumstances where traffic control is required on a road (including a footpath).

1.1Purpose of this document#

The purpose of this document is to specify the operational procedures and other requirements that must be complied with by traffic controllers in performing their duties in Queensland. This includes the approved operational procedure for controlling traffic, including the approved use of the STOP / SLOW signs (R6-8 / T7-1) and the Traffic Controller Ahead / PREPARE TO STOP sign (T1-Q05) and Portable Traffic Control Devices (PTCDs).

In addition to setting out the mandatory requirements for competently performing the role, this document includes practical explanations to assist traffic controllers in making the right decisions in the course of their duties when faced with varying road and traffic conditions at each site.

This document also sets out the obligations on employers of traffic controllers and site supervisors to ensure that traffic controllers are being monitored and well supported in performing their role. Accordingly, this document aims to assist traffic controllers to perform their role in the safest and most effective manner possible.

1.2Authority and approvals#

The authority to control traffic is set out in the following Act and Regulations:

Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld)

• Chapter 3 Part 1A (Sections 17A to 19A) – ‘Approvals’
• Chapter 3 Part 2 (Section 21) – ‘Appointment of accredited persons’
• Chapter 3 Part 2 (Section 22) – ‘Powers’
• Chapter 3 Part 2 (Section 23) – ‘Appointment of conditions’
• Chapter 5 Part 2 (Section 72A) – ‘Way to install official traffic sign’
• Chapter 5 Part 5 (Section 96) – ‘Diversion of traffic’
• Chapter 6 (Section 166) – ‘Official traffic sign approvals’

Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015

• Part 2 (Sections 4 to 10) – ‘Appointment as accredited person – Act, section 21'
• Part 2 (Sections 11 – 22) ‘General provisions for accreditations’
• Part 2 (Section 5 – 55) – ‘Traffic controllers'
• Part 2 (Section 56 – 69) – ‘Accreditation documents for accredited persons'
• Schedule 1 Section 10 – ‘Traffic controllers'.

Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009

• Part 8 (Section 101) – ‘Hand-held stop signs’.

1.3Definitions#

Table 1.3 lists definitions of terms used in this document.