Traffic Management Services We Offer (and When You'd Need Each One)

If you've never booked traffic management services before, the range of options can be confusing. Lane closure, contraflow, stop/go, convoy working- which one does your project actually need?

The answer usually comes down to three things: the road type, the scale of the works, and how long they'll last. Here's a easy to follow guide to the core traffic management services we offer at Beaumont Traffic Management, and the kind of project each one suits.

Single Carriageway Works

Road Narrowing

What it is: Road narrowing is a traffic management method that reduces the width of the working carriageway while keeping two-way traffic flowing. The work area is safely signed and guarded to maintain a suitable safety margin and a minimum of 6.75 metres of running road.

When you'd need it: Straightforward works where the road is wide enough to accommodate the works safely without needing to interrupt traffic flow in either direction. It's the least disruptive traffic management option available.

Give and Take and Priority Systems

What it is: A give and take, or priority system, is a passive traffic management method that merges vehicles into a single-file arrangement, allowing works to use half of the carriageway. It relies on driver observation rather than signals.

When you'd need it: Low-speed, highly visible roads, where drivers can safely negotiate priority between themselves without the need for signals. It's the next step up in disruption from road narrowing.

Stop/Go Boards & Portable Traffic Signals

What it is: Stop/go boards and portable traffic signals are traffic management methods that control single-lane traffic, using manually operated boards or automated portable lights to let vehicles take turns through the works.

When you'd need it: Short-duration or lower-traffic-volume works where visibility or traffic flow make the passive options above unsuitable — think small utility repairs, driveway crossovers, and similar jobs.

Full Road Closures

What it is: A full road closure is a traffic management method that closes the road completely and redirects traffic via signed diversion routes.

When you'd need it: Larger-scale works where it isn't safe or practical to keep any traffic running through the site — bridge repairs, major excavations, or events that take over the full width of the road. These usually require more advance notice, as diversion routes and local authority approval need to be arranged.

Convoy Working

What it is: Convoy working is a traffic management method that groups traffic into convoys and escorts it through or past a section of works, rather than continuously filtering vehicles.

When you'd need it: Where road widths and conditions mean normal minimum safety margins cannot be maintained, and a full road closure would be impractical due to the significant distance of available diversions. Traffic is manually reduced to 10mph by following a convoy vehicle.

Dual Carriageway Works

Static Lane Closures

What it is: A static lane closure is a traffic management method that closes one or more lanes with cones, barriers, or signage, while traffic continues to flow through the remaining lane(s).

When you'd need it: Ideal for roadside works that don't require the full width of the carriageway — utility repairs, footway construction, or civil engineering work tucked to one side of the road. It's usually the quickest and least disruptive option when it's available to you.

Contraflow Systems

What it is: A contraflow system is a traffic management method that temporarily routes traffic from both directions through a single carriageway, using cones or barriers to separate the two flows.

When you'd need it: When a closure needs to take up more of the road than a simple lane closure allows — for example, resurfacing or major utility works on a dual carriageway — but you still need to keep two-way traffic moving rather than diverting it elsewhere entirely.

Full Road Closures

What it is: A full road closure is a traffic management method that closes the road completely and redirects traffic via signed diversion routes.

When you'd need it: Larger-scale works where it isn't safe or practical to keep any traffic running through the site — bridge repairs, major excavations, or events that take over the full width of the road. These usually require more advance notice, as diversion routes and local authority approval need to be arranged.

Event Traffic Management

What it is: Event traffic management is a bespoke traffic and pedestrian management service for public and private events, covering road closures, signage, parking control, and crowd-safe crossing points.

When you'd need it: Festivals, sporting events, processions, or any occasion where normal traffic patterns need to be temporarily reshaped around crowds and road closures.

Design Consultation & Traffic Management Plans (TMPs)

What it is: A traffic management plan, or TMP, is a compliant, CAD-drawn plan and site-specific risk assessment required before any traffic management goes on site, produced in line with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, the New Roads and Street Works Act, and National Highways Sector Scheme requirements.

When you'd need it: Every project, in some form — even the simplest lane closure needs a plan behind it. This is usually the first step, and the earlier it's arranged, the more smoothly everything after it tends to go.

Not Sure Which You Need?

That's the most common question we get, and it's a completely reasonable one — most people booking traffic management aren't traffic management specialists, and they shouldn't need to be. Tell us about the works, the road, and the timeline, and we'll recommend the right setup, handle the plan, and take care of it from there.

Got a project coming up? Get in touch and we'll talk you through the right traffic management option.

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