What is temporary traffic management?
Why is there no one working when I drive through roadworks?
Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) refers to the planning and implementation of measures to safely and efficiently manage the flow of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists around a work zone, event, or any temporary disruption on roads or pathways. TTM ensures safety for workers, road users, and the general public while minimising delays and inconvenience. Common Uses of TTM: -Roadworks: Repairs, maintenance, and construction activities. -Special Events: Parades, sports events, or festivals requiring road closures or diversions. -Emergency Situations: Accidents, floods, or other incidents disrupting normal traffic flow. -Utility Works: Installation or maintenance of utilities like gas, water, or electricity. Key Elements of TTM: -Signage: Warning and direction signs to guide road users. -Barriers and Cones: To create safe workspaces and redirect traffic. -Speed Management: Temporary speed limits to reduce risks in work zones. -Traffic Controllers: Personnel to manually direct traffic when necessary. -Pedestrian Management: Providing safe routes for pedestrians, including temporary crossings. -Lighting and Signals: Portable traffic lights or illuminated signs for night-time visibility. Benefits of TTM: -Safety: Reduces risks to workers and road users. -Efficiency: Ensures smooth traffic flow despite disruptions. -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.
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.
What is traffic management design?
What do traffic management companies do?
Traffic management design refers to the planning and implementation of systems, measures, and structures aimed at controlling the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in a specific area, such as a road network, urban environment, or transportation system. The goal is to ensure smooth traffic flow, improve safety, and minimise congestion. It involves: Road layout planning: Designing roads, intersections, and junctions to efficiently handle traffic. Traffic control devices: Strategically placing signs, signals, and road markings to guide drivers and pedestrians. Flow management: Creating systems that optimise the flow of vehicles, such as traffic signal co-ordination, lane design, and speed limits. Safety measures: Incorporating features like pedestrian crossings, barriers, and traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps) to reduce accidents. 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.
What Do Traffic Management Companies Do? Traffic management companies play a vital role in maintaining safety, ensuring compliance, and minimising disruption on the UK's roads. Whether supporting roadworks, infrastructure projects, or large public events, these companies are responsible for managing the safe flow of vehicles and pedestrians through controlled environments. Key Services Offered by Traffic Management Companies 1. Traffic Management Planning Traffic management companies design detailed traffic management plans to suit each project. These plans outline the safest and most efficient way to maintain traffic flow and protect workers and the public. They also include risk assessments and legal compliance checks, often aligned with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. 🔁 Traffic management companies create plans. These plans reduce risks. Reduced risks keep people safe. 2. Deployment of Temporary Traffic Control Companies install cones, barriers, temporary traffic lights, and signage to manage road users. They may implement lane closures, full road closures, and diversions when required. All equipment used is BS EN-compliant and installed by qualified operatives. 🔁 Traffic control equipment is deployed. Deployment creates safe zones. Safe zones enable work to continue. 3. Event and Emergency Traffic Support For large-scale events like marathons or concerts, traffic management firms coordinate vehicle and crowd control. During incidents such as road traffic collisions or infrastructure failures, they respond quickly to manage flow and reroute vehicles. 🔁 Events need traffic control. Traffic control prevents chaos. Prevention ensures safety for all. 4. Safe Site Access for Construction Traffic management companies manage access and egress for construction vehicles to ensure minimal impact on public roads. They help prevent unauthorised entry and site incursions, protecting workers and the public. 🔁 Sites need access. Access must be safe. Safe access prevents harm. 5. Pedestrian and Public Safety Measures Where foot traffic is involved, they maintain safe walkways, crossings, and public information signage. Operatives may assist pedestrians directly through manual control and monitoring. 🔁 Pedestrians must be protected. Protection comes from clear routes. Clear routes build public trust. 6. Use of Advanced Traffic Technology Modern traffic management includes Variable Message Signs (VMS), CCTV monitoring, and GPS tracking. These technologies allow for real-time traffic updates and proactive response to changing conditions. Technology enhances traffic flow. Enhanced flow reduces delays. Reduced delays improve public satisfaction. 7. Stakeholder Liaison and Permitting: A critical part of the role involves liaising with local councils, police, utility companies, and contractors. Traffic management companies often assist with permit applications and statutory notifications, ensuring all legal obligations are met. In short, traffic management companies are essential partners in infrastructure and construction, making sure projects proceed safely and with minimal disruption to the public and stakeholders.
How many traffic management companies are there in the UK?
How do I get a job in traffic management?
It's difficult to give an exact number of traffic management companies in the UK because the industry spans a wide range of services—from road closures and diversion route planning to event traffic control and temporary traffic light setups. However, industry sources such as Plimsoll and Global Industry Analysts report that: There are approximately 230 to 255 leading traffic management companies operating in the UK. These figures reflect only the top-performing or most prominent firms in the sector. When you account for smaller local operators, subcontractors, and region-specific service providers, the total number of traffic management companies is likely to be in the several hundreds to over a thousand. While the exact number fluctuates, it's clear that traffic management in the UK is a large and fragmented industry with a significant number of active service providers.
Call traffic management companies local to you. Most will ask for a CV, so it's a good idea to have one prepared. You will also be interviewed for the role- so make sure you are prepared and turn up on time
What qualifications do I need for a job in traffic management?
You don't need any formal qualifications to start your career in temporary traffic management, however you will need to be able read and write.
What are the traffic management qualifications
Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) qualifications are required for individuals involved in planning, setting up, and managing temporary traffic control measures on roads and highways.
How do I get a qualification in traffic management?
What is a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO)?
In order to obtain a qualification in TTM you first have to decide on which qualification you wish to take. Common qualifications include those awarded by Lantra and City and Guilds LANTRA Awards: Focus on skills for setting up traffic management on roads. These include: 12D T1/T2: For operatives setting up temporary traffic lights and signage on low-speed roads. 12AB: For operatives working on high-speed roads (motorways and dual carriageways). 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: LANTRA-approved centres. National Highway Sector Schemes (NHSS) training providers. 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 Minimum Age: Most courses require you to be at least 18 years old. Driver’s Licence: While not always mandatory, many employers prefer candidates with a valid license. Health and Safety Awareness: Some courses may ask for a basic understanding of health and safety in construction. 5. Complete Training and Assessments Training typically includes classroom learning and practical assessments. 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 LANTRA: LANTRA Training Website Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): CITB Website Street Works Qualifications Register: SWQR Website
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is a legal order made by a local authority or relevant highway authority to temporarily change traffic regulations. 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: Roadworks: To close roads, restrict lanes, or introduce temporary speed limits while construction, maintenance, or repair works are carried out. Public Events: To manage traffic during parades, sporting events, or festivals. Emergencies: To respond to unforeseen incidents like collapsed roads, flooding, or other hazards. Utility Works: To facilitate installation or repair of utilities like water, gas, electricity, or telecommunications. Key Features: 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. Notification: Authorities usually publicize TTROs in advance through local newspapers, signage, or official websites. 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)?
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice (TTRN) is an official document issued by a local authority or transportation agency to temporarily restrict or regulate the flow of traffic in a specific area. 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.
How do I apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO)?
We are able to manage the whole process for and liaise with the local authority under which your TTRO falls Alternatively if you wish to apply for this yourself, you will be required to complete the correct paperwork for your local highway authority, this can usually be found via your local council's website
How do I apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice (TTRN)?
How much is a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO)?
How much is a Temporary Traffic Regulation Notice (TTRN)?
Can I walk through a road closure?
We are able to manage the whole process for and liaise with the local authority under which your TTRO falls Alternatively if you wish to apply for this yourself, you will be required to complete the correct paperwork for your local highway authority, this can usually be found via your local council's website
The fees for a TTRO vary from council to council and range from almost £1000 to just under £5000 for London councils
The fees for a TTRN can be cheaper as they are shorter but the fees can still match those of a TTRO
No, pedestrians should not walk through a road closure unless clearly directed to do so by authorised signage or personnel. Road closures are in place to protect both the public and the workforce. Entering a restricted area puts lives at risk and may be considered unlawful. Why can’t I walk through a closed road? Road closures apply to everyone, including vehicles and pedestrians. These restrictions are put in place for safety reasons and are legally enforceable. Pedestrians are not permitted to enter active road closures. Road closures are implemented to protect workers and the public. Entering a closed road can result in legal consequences and safety risks. What if I only need to walk through quickly? Even a brief shortcut through a closed area can have serious consequences. Workers may be using heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Always use designated pedestrian routes. Shortcuts through work zones increase the risk of injury or incident. What should I do instead? Look for diversion signs and follow any pedestrian instructions provided by traffic management teams. If no clear pedestrian route is available, seek an alternative or ask a member of staff on-site. Diversion signs guide safe pedestrian movement. Beaumont Traffic Management prioritises public safety and site integrity.
Can I drive through a road closure?
Can I be fined for going through a road closure?
No, you cannot legally drive through a road closure unless you are authorised to do so. Road closures are implemented to protect road users, workers, and the public from hazards such as construction, maintenance, or emergency incidents. Driving through a closed road can result in fines, penalty points, or prosecution. ✔️ Traffic management enforces road closures to ensure safety. ✔️ Road users must follow diversion signs during closures. ✔️ Emergency services may be granted authorised access if needed. If you're unsure whether you're allowed access (for example, if you live or work on the closed road), check for signage indicating "Access Only" or contact the relevant local authority or traffic management company.
Driving through a road closure can lead to a fine and penalty points on your licence. When a road is officially closed due to roadworks, accidents, or emergency works, ignoring closure signs breaches traffic regulations. Traffic authorities enforce road closures using signs and barriers to ensure safety and prevent hazards. If a driver disregards these signs and enters a closed road, they risk receiving a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 and 3 penalty points, or in serious cases, a court summons with higher fines or a driving ban. Enforcement methods include police checks and CCTV monitoring. To avoid penalties and ensure safety, always follow diversion routes and respect road closure signs.
