Appendix ABackground information#

Diversion route signage was initially conceived as a traffic incident management tool. Traffic incident management is a coordinated approach to reducing the negative effects of traffic incidents. This type of management focuses on quick detection, response and clearance of traffic incidents / hazards. Traffic incident management programs also alert drivers about traffic incidents and seek to maximise traffic flow through and around the incident site.

The effect of not having incident management programs in place is significant and may include: threats to public safety, personal injuries, delays in emergency response to incidents, time loss, fuel consumption, delays in critical goods reaching their destinations, increased vehicle emission and other economic effects.

The Strategic Alliance (Road Operations) Draft 2010 is a coordinated approach by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Department of Community Safety and Queensland Police Service including in which to implement traffic management measures. Annex A of the Strategic Alliance identifies the responsibility of Transport and Main Roads and local government to manage traffic in the outer cordon of incident sites and the establishment of traffic diversion routes.

The approved application of diversion route signing has been broadened from its initial use around traffic incident sites only. As is the case with traffic incident management, it is expected the unique style of diversion route signing will be equally effective providing alternative route guidance for the heavy vehicle industry (for example, excess mass, oversized vehicles).