Traffic Management Plan

If you're planning to carry out works or hold an event on a road, street, lane or footpath in the City of Hobsons Bay, you will need a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) permit.

A TMP sets out how you will manage the safety of workers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists while your works are underway, including any temporary changes to traffic conditions, detours, or closures.

A TMP is a comprehensive, text-based safety strategy detailing how risk will be managed across your entire project, whereas a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is the actual visual site map showing the exact placement of cones, signs, and traffic controllers on the ground. Both documents must be prepared by an accredited Traffic Management Designer and reflect your specific site layout rather than generic templates.

Why a Traffic Management Plan is required

Roads, laneways and footpaths are shared public spaces. When construction, utility works or an event disrupts normal access, a TMP ensures:

• the safety of workers and the public is protected throughout the works
• pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles can move through or around the site with minimal disruption
• Council and emergency services know what changes are in place and when
• the site complies with Victorian road safety legislation

A permit is required if you intend to conduct works within a road reserve including road excavation, construction, maintenance or interfering with vegetation within road reserves covering roadways, nature strips and footpaths.

TMPs are required in accordance with:

• The Road Management Act 2004 (VIC)
• The Road Safety Act 1986 (VIC)
• Australian Standard AS 1742.3 – Traffic control devices for works on roads
• Local Government Act 2020

When you'll need a TMP

You will typically need to submit a TMP if your activity involves:

• temporary changes to traffic conditions on a Council road
• a full or partial road, lane or footpath closure
• traffic detours
• occupying part of a road or footpath (e.g. hoardings, scaffolding, a crane, a shipping container, building materials or equipment)
• an event that affects a Council road, street, lane or footpath.

If your works are on a Department of Transport and Planning (formerly VicRoads) arterial road, under Victoria's Traffic Management Reform (TMR) program, an applicant must obtain a Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA) permit from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) before placing any temporary traffic control device, including minor or non-major signage on a DTP-managed road network. An MoA is required before Council can finalise the assessment.

Who can prepare a Traffic Management Plan

A TMP must be prepared by a suitably qualified traffic management professional. A list of accredited Traffic Management companies is available on the TMR website and is updated periodically. For the most up-to-date information, please refer directly to the TMR website below.

https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/business-and-industry/temporary-traffic-management/accreditation-program

How to apply

Applications for Traffic Management Plans can now be submitted online through My Hobsons Bay Hub - Traffic Management Plan which allows you to lodge permit applications, upload supporting documents and track the progress of your request.

To apply, you will generally need to provide:

• your completed Traffic Management Plan, prepared by a qualified provider
• If the traffic management plans are implemented for more than one day, an Aftercare Plan must be included
• a Memorandum of Authorisation from the Department of Transport and Planning, if your works affect an arterial road or use major traffic control devices
• a notification letter to affected residents and businesses, where required

After you apply

Once submitted, your application will be assessed by Council's Traffic team against the relevant Codes of Practice and Australian Standards. If your plan meets requirements, you'll receive written approval before works can begin. Approved TMPs, permits and any MoA must be kept on site at all times, as Council officers may inspect works without notice. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary actions.

Contact us

For questions about whether your works require a Traffic Management Plan, contact Council's Traffic team.