Why is there no one working when I drive through roadworks?
Sometimes, you might not see workers on-site because certain tasks — like setting concrete, curing materials, or waiting for inspections — require time without active work. In other cases, work is scheduled for evenings or overnight to minimise disruption during busy hours. Even when no one is visible, the traffic management (cones, signs, barriers) stays in place to protect the work area and keep everyone safe.
TTM ensures safety for workers, road users, and the general public while minimising delays and inconvenience.
Common Uses of TTM:
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Roadworks: Repairs, maintenance, and construction activities.
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Special Events: Parades, sports events, or festivals requiring road closures or diversions.
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Emergency Situations: Accidents, floods, or other incidents disrupting normal traffic flow.
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Utility Works: Installation or maintenance of utilities like gas, water, or electricity.
Key Elements of TTM:
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Signage: Warning and direction signs to guide road users.
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Barriers and Cones: To create safe workspaces and redirect traffic.
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Speed Management: Temporary speed limits to reduce risks in work zones.
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Traffic Controllers: Personnel to manually direct traffic when necessary.
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Pedestrian Management: Providing safe routes for pedestrians, including temporary crossings.
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Lighting and Signals: Portable traffic lights or illuminated signs for night-time visibility.
Benefits of TTM:
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Safety: Reduces risks to workers and road users.
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Efficiency: Ensures smooth traffic flow despite disruptions.
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Compliance: Meets legal and regulatory requirements for managing road safety.
Effective TTM requires careful planning, communication, and adherence to local guidelines or standards, often outlined in national traffic management handbooks or regulations.
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LANTRA Awards: Focus on skills for setting up traffic management on roads. These include:
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12D T1/T2: For operatives setting up temporary traffic lights and signage on low-speed roads.
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12AB: For operatives working on high-speed roads (motorways and dual carriageways).
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City & Guilds Street Works Qualifications: Required for working on public highways under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA)
3. Select a Training Provider
Look for accredited training centres offering traffic management courses, such as:
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LANTRA-approved centres.
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National Highway Sector Schemes (NHSS) training providers.
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Local colleges or private training providers offering NRSWA courses.
WE ARE A LANTRA APPROVED TRAINING CENTRE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COURSES WE OFFER CLICK HERE
4. Meet Basic Requirements
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Minimum Age: Most courses require you to be at least 18 years old.
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Driver’s Licence: While not always mandatory, many employers prefer candidates with a valid license.
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Health and Safety Awareness: Some courses may ask for a basic understanding of health and safety in construction.
5. Complete Training and Assessments
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Training typically includes classroom learning and practical assessments.
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You will learn how to safely set up, maintain, and dismantle traffic management systems.
6. Obtain Certification
After completing the course and passing assessments, you will receive a qualification certificate. This may be a LANTRA card, NRSWA card, or another industry-recognised certification.
7. Gain Work Experience
Start working under supervision to gain practical experience. Many employers will require you to demonstrate competence in real-world scenarios.
8. Ongoing Training
Traffic management qualifications often need periodic renewal to ensure you are up to date with the latest regulations.
Resources for Finding Courses
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LANTRA: LANTRA Training Website
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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): CITB Website
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Street Works Qualifications Register: SWQR Website
TTROs are often used to manage traffic during planned works, events, or emergencies. They can temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of roads by vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians to ensure safety and manage traffic flow effectively. The process for applying for a TTRO takes around 12 weeks.
Common Uses of TTROs:
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Roadworks: To close roads, restrict lanes, or introduce temporary speed limits while construction, maintenance, or repair works are carried out.
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Public Events: To manage traffic during parades, sporting events, or festivals.
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Emergencies: To respond to unforeseen incidents like collapsed roads, flooding, or other hazards.
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Utility Works: To facilitate installation or repair of utilities like water, gas, electricity, or telecommunications.
Key Features:
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Duration: TTROs can last up to 18 months for roads and up to 6 months for footpaths, bridleways, or byways. Extensions beyond these periods require approval from the Department for Transport.
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Notification: Authorities usually publicize TTROs in advance through local newspapers, signage, or official websites.
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Traffic Management: Often includes diversions, signage, or other measures to minimise disruption.
If you're dealing with a TTRO or planning works requiring one, you may need to contact your local highway authority to apply and comply with any conditions or fees.
What is a temporary traffic regulation notice (TTRN)?
This notice is often used for events, roadworks, construction projects, or emergencies that require traffic changes for safety, efficiency, or to accommodate specific activities. The process for applying for a TTRN is swifter and takes around a week.
The notice outlines the details of the temporary changes, such as road closures, diversions, lane restrictions, parking suspensions, or speed limit adjustments. It specifies the duration of the regulation, usually including start and end dates and times, and it may provide information on alternative routes or how traffic will be managed.
Temporary Traffic Regulation Notices are commonly used to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow during temporary disruptions to regular road use.
What are the traffic management qualifications?
These qualifications ensure that traffic management is carried out safely and in accordance with legal and regulatory standards. Here are some common qualifications and training for temporary traffic management:
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NHSS 12 - Traffic Safety and Control Officer (TSCO) course – 2 day
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NHSS 12AB - Foreman training course - 1 day
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NHSS 12B - Lead Traffic Management Operative (LTMO) - 2 days
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NHSS 12AB - General Operative course - 1 day
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NHSS 12AB - Impact Protection Vehicle Driver (IPV) - 1 day
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NHSS 12 – Temporary Traffic Management Basic Course (TTMBC) – 1 day
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NHSS 12D:
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T1 - Moving Works Operative course.
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T2 – 2-way traffic lights and stop / go operations course.
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T3 - Low speed dual carriageway operations course.
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T4 - Convoy working operations course.
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T5 – Multi-phase traffic light operations course.
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T6 - Registered Lead Traffic Management Operative (RLTMO) course.
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T7 - Client Officer course.
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What is traffic management design?
The goal is to ensure smooth traffic flow, improve safety, and minimise congestion.
It involves:
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Road layout planning: Designing roads, intersections, and junctions to efficiently handle traffic.
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Traffic control devices: Strategically placing signs, signals, and road markings to guide drivers and pedestrians.
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Flow management: Creating systems that optimise the flow of vehicles, such as traffic signal co-ordination, lane design, and speed limits.
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Safety measures: Incorporating features like pedestrian crossings, barriers, and traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps) to reduce accidents.
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Technology integration: Implementing intelligent traffic management systems, such as sensors and cameras, to monitor and adjust traffic patterns in real time.
Overall, the design aims to balance efficiency, safety, and environmental considerations to create a functional traffic system.