Traffic Management Accreditations: What They Are and Why They Matter

Beaumont TM
Sep 28
4 min read

Common traffic management company accreditations

When you see roadworks, diversions, or lane closures, it’s easy to think of them as a temporary nuisance. But behind every safe setup is a traffic management company that has been assessed, audited, and accredited to prove they are working to the highest standards.

For customers—whether you’re a contractor, civil engineering firm, or local authority—these accreditations provide assurance that the company you choose is safe, reliable, and compliant. For the public, they mean safer roads, clearer diversions, and greater trust that works are being managed professionally.

So, what are the most common accreditations in traffic management, and what do they actually mean?

National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS)

What it is: A series of quality management schemes tailored to highways. The most relevant for traffic management is NHSS 12, which covers everything from motorway lane closures (12A/B) to rural and urban works (12C/D).
Why it matters: It proves the company is properly trained, audited, and approved to manage traffic safely on the UK’s road network. Customers know they are working with a competent, trusted supplier, and the public can be confident that roadworks meet strict national safety standards.

Lantra Approved Training

What it is: Lantra is the awarding body that sets the standards for traffic management training and qualifications across the UK.
Why it matters: A Lantra-approved workforce means employees are trained and assessed to nationally recognised standards. For clients, it reduces risk knowing staff are competent and certified. For the public, it ensures the people setting up and managing roadworks are properly qualified to keep everyone safe.

Achilles BuildingConfidence / UVDB

What it is: A rigorous pre-qualification and audit scheme for suppliers working in construction, utilities, and infrastructure.
Why it matters: Customers save time on procurement because Achilles has already audited the supplier’s health & safety, compliance, and sustainability practices. It reduces risk for clients and provides the public with assurance that suppliers are held to account.

Constructionline

What it is: A government-recognised register of pre-qualified suppliers.
Why it matters: It shows that the company has been independently checked for financial stability, health & safety, and compliance with industry standards. For clients, it simplifies tendering and supplier approval. For the public, it means only reputable, vetted companies are delivering works.

CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)

What it is: A widely recognised health & safety accreditation.
Why it matters: It demonstrates that the company has robust safety policies and practices in place. For clients, this reduces risk on-site. For the public, it ensures that safe systems of work are always followed.

SafeContractor

What it is: A health & safety assessment and accreditation scheme.
Why it matters: Similar to CHAS, this accreditation reassures customers that suppliers have strong health & safety management in place. It’s particularly important for high-risk industries like traffic management.

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement)

What it is: An umbrella organisation that recognises health & safety pre-qualification schemes like CHAS, SafeContractor, and others.
Why it matters: SSIP streamlines the procurement process by recognising equivalent accreditations, meaning customers don’t have to duplicate checks. For the public, it shows the company meets consistent, high safety standards.

ISO Standards

What they are: Internationally recognised management standards.
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
Why they matter: ISO standards prove that a company is not just compliant today, but is continuously improving. Customers benefit from consistent quality, sustainable practices, and safe operations. The public benefits from reduced disruption, lower environmental impact, and safer works.

Builder’s Profile

What it is: An open-access compliance platform for the construction industry, used by both main contractors and suppliers.
Why it matters: It allows companies to share and maintain their compliance information in one place, making it easier for customers to verify standards. For the public, it reinforces that only fully vetted, compliant contractors are working on their roads and infrastructure.

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS)

What it is: A voluntary scheme that encourages companies to improve the image of construction and infrastructure work.
Why it matters: Customers and the public benefit from a more responsible approach—whether it’s reducing disruption to communities, protecting the environment, or looking after the workforce.

Why Accreditations Matter

For Customers: Accreditations reduce risk, simplify procurement, and prove that the company you’re working with meets the highest standards. They take the guesswork out of choosing a traffic management partner.
For the Public: Accreditations provide reassurance that roadworks and traffic management are carried out safely, legally, and with consideration for both road users and the surrounding community and the environment.

Final Thoughts

Accreditations aren’t just paperwork—they are the backbone of trust in traffic management. They prove that companies are accountable, safe, and committed to doing things the right way.

At Beaumont Traffic Management, we’re proud to hold industry-recognised accreditations that reflect our dedication to safety, quality, and professionalism across every project. For our clients, they mean peace of mind. For the public, they mean safer roads.