Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 1 (Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road). Designs 2009.pdf/12



This section deals with the general principles of temporary traffic management design and its application to the planning of road works schemes. The complexity of traffic management arrangements varies from scheme to scheme, but the primary objective is always:


 * to maximise the safety of the workforce and the travelling public.

The secondary objective is:


 * to keep traffic flowing as freely as possible.

Clients, project designers and traffic management designers need to be conscious of these objectives during all stages of the design process and particularly when considering the trafﬁc management requirements of the design brief.

It is vital that risk assessments are carried out at all stages of the development of the project, bearing in mind the potential hazards to the workforce and the public.

The final traffic management design will see the implementation of the project risk assessment process translated into a safe system of work for both operatives and road users.

There are a number of tasks which need to be undertaken in the course of the planning, design and implementation of temporary traffic management arrangements. Traditionally these tasks have often been associated with certain roles carrying particular job titles. It is recognised that there is increasing variation in the arrangements and forms of contracts relating to highway works and that reference to traditional roles may not always be appropriate. When tasks are allocated, it is essential that the person or organisation responsible for each task is identified, and that satisfactory completion of each task is recorded.

During the planning stage of road works schemes the following points should be noted.


 * Safety is the prime consideration.
 * Attention must be paid to the needs of pedestrians. This applies especially in the vicinity of bus stops, shops, post ofﬁces, leisure facilities and day centres, where larger numbers of people with physical/mental impairments may be expected.
 * Maintenance works should be undertaken in the minimum time, taking up the minimum of road space, but without compromising safety. Where practicable, additional resources or time-reducing techniques should be considered.
 * There must always be liaison with the Highway Authority concerned to avoid concurrent works in close proximity.
 * When a length of road is closed the opportunity should be taken to carry out any other maintenance required on that length of road.
 * Holiday periods, if higher than normal ﬂows are expected, special events and festivals should be avoided as far as possible. When the trafﬁc is predominantly recreational, for example, at weekends and during bank holidays, the effect on lane capacity may be to reduce it by up to 30%. If demand exceeds available capacity, queues will develop and road users could be put at risk. If ﬂows are expected to be lower than normal during holiday periods then consideration should be given to carrying out the works at this time. 11