Firstly, the applicant is required to know what land constitutes the ‘road reserve’. Essentially, the road reserve is a parcel of land set aside for the purpose of a public road. It typically includes not only the physical road formation known as the carriageway (which can be sealed or unsealed) but also includes roadside areas such as the kerb and channel, nature strip, footpath and any other infrastructure that is outside the boundary line of private property.
Once it is deemed civil works are required within the road reserve, a permit process can begin which varies between Councils and across different states. There are various types of permits that may be applicable, some of which can have different names – common permits are outlined below:
- Road Occupation Permit.
- Road Opening Permit.
- Street Occupation Permit.
- Works Within Road Reserve Permit.
- Road Reserve Works Permit.
- Civil Works Permit.
- Section 138 Consent.
- Approval for Works Within Road Reserves.
- Development Works Within Roads & Easement Permit.
- Vehicle Crossing Permit.
- Stormwater Connection Permit.
There are many more that aren’t mentioned above! Generally, as part of the process of obtaining one of these permits, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is required to be prepared by an accredited Traffic Engineering company in accordance with the relevant standards for permit approval to be granted.
Terminology is another source of potential confusion, as a TMP is different to a TGS (Traffic Guidance Scheme). A TMP is a detailed document outlining how traffic is managed during the works and is required for larger, more complex and longer-term projects or those with significant traffic disruptions. For example, a TMP would be required for the construction of a new multi-dwelling residential development which typically takes months or even years to complete.
A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) on the other hand simply involves a visual plan or drawing of the temporary traffic management measures (signs, bollards etc.) and work areas overlayed on a map. The figure below is an extract from a recent TGS that Amber staff prepared for a crossover relocation. This can be included as part of the larger TMP document. The term Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is also often used interchangeably with Traffic Control Plan (TCP).
A TGS/TCP is sufficient in place of a TMP when the scope of civil works is short-term in nature and has limited impact on traffic. Common types of civil works which require only a TGS are the construction of a vehicle crossover or the connection of stormwater pipes or other utilities. So even if a Council document stipulates the need for a TMP, it’s important to know when a TGS/TCP can be submitted for permit approval, as these plans are quicker and cheaper to prepare.
The Amber team have extensive experience with Traffic Management services across multiple states and road authorities and are certified within NSW and Victoria for the preparation of both TMPs and TGSs/TCPs.
