When Do You Need a Traffic Management Plan? Essential Guidelines and Requirements

Simply put, traffic management in New Zealand is only required when a project or activity will disrupt or alter the normal operating conditions of a road or footpath. If a driver, cyclist or pedestrian can’t use the road network as they usually would, a traffic management plan must be instated to guarantee the smooth running of their daily lives. 

However, whilst this does sound simple, it can still be hard to figure out how much you’ll disrupt the regular road network, and as a result, what kind of traffic management plan you’ll need to implement! At ISAV Design, we’re happy to shed more light on the essential guidelines and requirements for traffic management, below.

The Codes of Practice

Waka Kotahi, New Zealand’s transport agency, have detailed codes of practice regarding the implementation of temporary traffic management plans. These codes include the degree to which temporary traffic control measures can be implemented, when, why and how to adapt to increased traffic flow if necessary – which is common in the wake of construction projects. 

Traffic management plans exist to prevent congestion and poor traffic flow. If there’s even a slight chance that the surrounding roads will be affected by your activity, event or project, a traffic management plan should be implemented, and these codes of practice can inform you of which measures are appropriate to take. 

Of course, you can always hire a professional to advise, too! Our consultants at ISAV Design LTD are well-versed in all aspects of traffic management in New Zealand.

When Special Permissions Are Required

Traffic management plans should always consider ‘extraordinary’ situations, wherein an additional permit or special permission may be required to carry out your event or project. For example, other permissions are generally required alongside a TMP if you:

  • Plan to dig in a street, footpath, road berm or ‘paper road’
  • Place an obstruction like a scaffold, container or scissor lift on a footpath or road
  • Host an event on or near a road, footpath or berm

When these things are a non-negotiable aspect of your project, a traffic management plan with additional permissions is an absolute must. Don’t leave anything to chance – we at ISAV Design are here to educate and assist all New Zealanders in implementing proper traffic management.

Expert traffic management in New Zealand can be hard to find, so let us make it easy for you! Here at ISAV Design LTD, we are certified, trained and experienced traffic engineering consultants. Whether you’re hosting an event or looking to streamline an urban area, our traffic management services are invaluable. Find out more about what we can do for you by contacting us, today.

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