A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) is a comprehensive document designed to provide a structured approach to managing and coordinating how vehicle and pedestrian movements will be managed in and around a construction site.
This ensures that construction activities proceed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to surrounding communities. The CTMP is an essential component of construction, particularly for projects located in busy or sensitive areas where safety, traffic flow, and public accessibility are critical.
The CTMP is intended to:
- Enhance safety: reducing traffic-related risks on or near the site will help protect construction workers, vehicle operators, pedestrians, and other road users.
- Minimise disruption: maintaining traffic flows and planning vehicle routes can reduce the impact of construction activities on public traffic flow and nearby businesses and residents.
- Reduce environmental impacts: mitigate the impact of construction-related traffic, such as noise and emissions, particularly in sensitive or residential areas.
- Support efficient project management: scheduling material deliveries and routing construction traffic efficiently ensures that construction materials arrive on time without disrupting surrounding traffic or project timelines.
- Consider stakeholder requirements: build and maintain positive relationships with local stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to mitigate construction impacts.
- Emergency preparedness: setting out a clear protocol for handling accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or other emergencies will reduce risks and ensure a swift response.
- Ensure compliance: setting out how a site will adhere to legal and local government requirements will ensure it meets regulatory requirements.
The difference between a CLP and a CTMP
CLOCS has always required the development and implementation of a Construction Logistics Plan as the golden thread that runs through the CLOCS Standard being required by regulators and planning authorities and developed by clients and contractors.
Version 5 of the CLOCS Standard, launched in 2024, introduced Construction Traffic Management Plans as a new requirement for clients and contractors to further improve the management and co-ordination of construction traffic.
Both plans are critical for the successful and safe execution of a construction project, but they address different aspects of the operation. Click here to learn more.
The focus of a CTMP
On average, each year, about 7 workers die as a result of accidents involving vehicles or mobile plant on construction sites. A further 93 are seriously injured.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The majority of construction transport related incidents result from the inadequate separation of pedestrians and vehicles. Outside of the sites HGV vehicles are much more likely to be involved in fatal accidents per mile travelled than other vehicles.
Construction sites must be organised to minimise the risks associated with the movement of vehicles and people. This is done by careful planning, particularly at the design stage, and by controlling vehicle operations during construction work.
Developing a CTMP will help ensure that traffic routes are considered, and mitigation measures are put in place to physically segregate pedestrians and vehicles on site routes and at site access points. Minimising the risk of incidents can be done by focusing on the following key areas:
The CTMP should outline the designated routes for construction vehicles to site and include specific information for the last mile to the site and first mile from site. The CTMP may want to refer to the CLP if relevant. To aid with control of vehicle movements, deliveries to site should be scheduled utilising a delivery booking system if appropriate.
Access to sites must be controlled. There should be separate pedestrian and vehicle access points to site which are protected from unauthorised access and clearly marked. Access arrangements should be included in the CTMP. There should be safe and clearly marked pedestrian routes around the construction site.
Provide a schematic site plan with vehicle routes that are segregated from pedestrian routes and other site activities including members of the public. Minimise the need for reversing with the use of one-way systems where possible or turning points that are adequate for the expected number and type of vehicle. All vehicle routes should have adequate surfaces and adequate lighting.
All drivers and pedestrians entering a site need to be informed of any site transport hazards and relevant site rules, including the correct traffic routes to use. Clear recognisable signage should be displayed.
Develop strategies to direct, manage, or control vehicle and pedestrian movements around the construction site. For managing vehicle behaviour consider the use of:
- Signage: Temporary warning and directional signs.
- Barriers: Physical barriers to separate work zones from traffic.
- Traffic Signals: Temporary lights or manual traffic control when required.
- Speed control measures specific to site conditions.
- Traffic Marshals: Positioned where they can preferably have eye contact between themselves and drivers.
Where works are to be carried out on live roads the requirements of Chapter 8 and Temporary Traffic Management Guidance must be considered and implemented as required.
Provide clearly marked and accessible pedestrian pathways around the site which incorporate safe crossing points, particularly near busy roads or site access points. Ensure there is compliance with accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities.
The location of loading and unloading areas need to be carefully considered and clear of pedestrians so far as reasonably practicable. There should be sufficient space for safe unloading activities and consideration given to driver safety.
Outline how vehicles will be loaded or unloaded and the mechanical equipment that will be required. Explain how the equipment can be safely operated away from other site or public activities.
Construction personnel should be trained in the CTMP requirements and clear communication should be maintained with all stakeholders. Personnel with specific traffic management responsibilities should have training to their role e.g. CLOCS Site Access Traffic Marshal training for traffic marshals.
The CTMP should detail how to manage traffic incidents, vehicle breakdowns, or other emergencies on or near the site. Include communication protocols for notifying authorities and stakeholders promptly.
Establish methods to monitor traffic management effectiveness and adjust the plan as needed during construction.
Implementing a well-thought-out CTMP is essential for the smooth operation of construction projects, and creating a safe, compliant, and efficient traffic environment around a construction site, balancing project needs with the well-being of the surrounding community particularly those in high-traffic or urban areas.
