The NZ Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (NZGTTM) defines three categories of temporary traffic management in New Zealand: Category A, Category B, and Category C. Understanding which category applies to your project is essential for ensuring compliance, safety, and proper budgeting. This guide explains each category in detail.
What Are NZGTTM Categories?
The NZGTTM categories classify temporary traffic management based on the level of risk presented to road users and workers. The category determines the complexity of the TMP required, the qualifications needed for the STMS supervisor, and the extent of traffic management measures required on site.
Category A: Low Risk
When Does Category A Apply?
Category A applies to the lowest risk temporary traffic management sites. Typical scenarios include:
- Roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less
- Roads with traffic volumes of less than 1,000 vehicles per day
- Works that occupy less than 30% of the road width
- Works with clear sight distances and simple geometry
- Activities with minimal impact on traffic flow
Common Category A Projects
- Residential driveway construction
- Minor utility connections
- Footpath maintenance and repairs
- Small tree trimming jobs
- Sign installation on lower volume roads
- Property access improvements
Category A TMP Requirements
Category A TMPs are the simplest to design and implement. They require:
- Basic traffic management layout plan
- Standard signage and cone arrangements
- Buffer space appropriate to the site
- Simple advance warning signage
Category A STMS Requirements
A Category A STMS supervisor is qualified to manage lower risk sites. To become a Category A STMS, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a full New Zealand driver licence
- Complete a Waka Kotahi approved Category A STMS course
- Pass the practical assessment
Category A STMS qualifications must be renewed every 3 years.
Category B: Medium Risk
When Does Category B Apply?
Category B applies to medium risk temporary traffic management sites. Typical scenarios include:
- Roads with speed limits of 50 to 70 km/h
- Roads with traffic volumes of 1,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day
- Works that occupy 30 to 70% of the road width
- Multiple lane roads with moderate traffic impact
- Night work on local roads
- Works near schools, bus stops, or high pedestrian areas
Common Category B Projects
- Commercial building construction with road impact
- Medium scale road resurfacing
- Utility works on arterial roads
- Multi-day maintenance projects
- Works requiring lane closures on busier roads
- Projects with pedestrian management requirements
Category B TMP Requirements
Category B TMPs require more detailed planning:
- Detailed traffic management layout with phasing
- Comprehensive signage plans
- Pedestrian and cyclist management measures
- Speed management plan
- Access/egress management
- More extensive advance warning systems
Category B STMS Requirements
To manage a Category B site, you need a Category B STMS supervisor. Requirements include:
- Hold a current Category A STMS qualification
- Minimum 6 months experience as a Category A STMS
- Complete a Waka Kotahi approved Category B STMS course
- Pass the practical assessment
Category B STMS qualifications must be renewed every 2 years.
Category C: High Risk
When Does Category C Apply?
Category C applies to the highest risk temporary traffic management sites. Typical scenarios include:
- Roads with speed limits over 70 km/h
- Roads with traffic volumes exceeding 5,000 vehicles per day
- Works that occupy more than 70% of the road width
- State highways and motorways
- Works requiring major detours or temporary traffic signals
- Projects with complex staged traffic management
Common Category C Projects
- State highway construction and maintenance
- Major road reconstruction
- Bridge construction or major repairs
- Large utility installations on busy roads
- Projects requiring temporary traffic signals
- Works with significant network wide impact
Category C TMP Requirements
Category C TMPs are the most complex and require:
- Extensive traffic analysis and modelling
- Staged traffic management plans
- Detailed detour route design
- Complex temporary traffic signal plans
- Comprehensive risk assessment
- Extensive stakeholder consultation
- Network impact analysis
Category C STMS Requirements
Category C sites must be supervised by a Category C STMS. Requirements include:
- Hold a current Category B STMS qualification
- Minimum 12 months experience as a Category B STMS
- Complete a Waka Kotahi approved Category C STMS course
- Pass the practical assessment
Category C STMS qualifications must be renewed every 2 years.
Key Differences Summary
| Factor | Category A | Category B | Category C | |--------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Speed Limit | Up to 50 km/h | 50 to 70 km/h | Over 70 km/h | | Traffic Volume | Under 1,000/day | 1,000 to 5,000/day | Over 5,000/day | | TMP Complexity | Basic | Detailed | Extensive | | STMS Level | Category A | Category B | Category C | | Experience Required | None (entry level) | 6 months as A | 12 months as B | | Revalidation Period | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years |
How to Determine Your Project Category
If you are unsure which category applies to your project, the best approach is to consult with a qualified TMP designer or traffic management company. They can assess your specific site conditions and determine the appropriate category.
At TM Matters, we provide free category assessments as part of our TMP design service. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.
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