What is Temporary Traffic Management?
Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) is the process of guiding and controlling traffic (including vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians) safely around roadworks, events, or emergency situations. It uses tools like signs, cones, barriers, and trained personnel to ensure the safety of both road users and workers, while helping traffic continue to flow as smoothly as possible.
A key part of this process is the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). A TMP outlines how the activity will be safely carried out on the road, footpath, or road reserve. It covers the planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and removal of temporary traffic management measures. TMPs usually include a detailed plan and images of the area to show how road users will be managed.
Temporary traffic management helps ensure that:
- the safety of the public and contractors is protected; and
- disruption, delays and inconveniences to road users are minimised.
Any work or activity, including events, being undertaken in the road reserve must be controlled by an approved Traffic Management Plan.
December 2024 Update: This notice outlines important information about upcoming changes to Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) and highlights key considerations for traffic management operators working on Timaru District Council roads.
TMPs must be submitted as per the processing time frames listed below. This can only be completed by a Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) with a current NZTA approved qualification.
If you are applying for a Corridor Access Request for your activity or event, you will be prompted in your application to complete a TMP. Read more about applying for a Corridor Access Request here.
Timaru District Council’s Land Transport Unit requires a TMP for:
- Any services consent application
- Any activity that occupies the road corridor
- Any activity that may affect normal vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Such activities include events such as street parades, cycling and running events.
An application for a temporary road closure may be required for some activities / events. Call Timaru District Council on 03 687 7200 or email CAR@timdc.govt.nz to discuss applying for a road closure.
Please note that for works or events near or on the State Highways, consent must be obtained from Waka Kotahi (the New Zealand Transport Agency).
Read the National Code of Practice for Utility Operators' Access to Transport Corridors
Read the Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (COPTTM) – 2013
Last updated: 12 May 2025