Traffic management

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) describes proposed work on any public road. It includes the work programme, how public and contractor safety is ensured, the public notification process and any contingency planning.

The NZTA website has guidance and two different forms, depending on the amount of disruption to public access.

Traffic management information (nzta.govt.nz)

Code of practice for temporary traffic management (nzta.govt.nz)

Events

If you are running an event that affects road users, increases traffic, requires road or footpath closures or road signs, a Traffic Management Plan may be required.

Events on council land

If you plan to work on or excavate a road, you will also need to complete a Corridor Access Request (CAR).

Information about when you will need a permission and the application form are available on this page:

Apply for Work Access Permit

Layout diagrams

Layout diagrams are expected as part of the application and must show:

• what signs and other traffic management devices will be used
• the setout of the various devices with dimensions
• a site drawing that reflects the road layout in the location.

We have adopted two national codes of practice.

National Code for Utilities Access to the Transport Corridors

This is our policy and specifications document. The Code covers the requirements for working in and or occupation of roads within the local road network.

Further information is available in the National Code document:

New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group (nzuag.org.nz)

Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management

This code ensures that all the basic information relating to the proposed works is available to our staff who are assessing the application.

It includes the time-frame for applications which allows time for any issues or queries to be addressed before work starts.

If this code does not cover the proposed work, the Temporary Traffic Management for Local Roads (Local Roads Supplement) is recognised as a suitable alternative.

Our staff are available to meet and discuss proposals before you submit your application.

Read further information about Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management here:

New Zealand Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz)

You can read more about the process for requesting a slow street and other traffic calming methods on this page:

Slow streets

School speed zones help slow traffic near schools and increase driver awareness of children. This helps keep children safe from danger when they are arriving and leaving school.

Reducing vehicle speeds to 40 km/h or less significantly reduces the risk of injury if a child is struck by a vehicle.

Let us know if you are on a Board of Trustee and want your school considered for a new speed zone site or upgrades to existing speed limits. 

Request a new or upgraded School Zone

Schools can let us know if they have a special event or a teacher only day and want their school zone programme changed. 

Request a School Zone sign programme change

A key aim in setting speed limits is to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes while maintaining an efficient road network.

You can read more about how speed limits are set and changing them on the following page.

Setting speed limits

Traffic signals may be installed for the following reasons:

• there is a safety or traffic flow problems at the existing intersection
• safety and accessibility considerations require signals control in a new intersection
• pedestrian and/or cyclist safety will influence the decision to install signals
• those with disabilities may be impacted by other forms of control.

These reasons are why many intersections within the Central Business District operate on traffic signal control.

Why not roundabouts?

• roundabouts only work well when vehicle traffic flows are balanced and there is little demand for pedestrian or cycle facilities
• pedestrians find that the gaps they need to cross the road safely tend to be removed by the roundabout's operation. This creates a safety problem for both able-bodied and disabled alike
• traffic signal controlled intersections resolve this issue by providing safer and more equal opportunity for all road users.

How does the traffic signal system work?

All intersections in Whangārei are connected to a traffic control computer which supervises the whole network's operation.

Traffic volumes are electronically monitored and the computer adjusts the timings at the intersections to manage changes in traffic flows. There are also built-in checks to ensure that time is allocated to maximise efficient traffic flow.

At regular intervals, we review the software and make changes where appropriate.

At various locations intersections are linked together through the traffic control computer to allow the number of stops at intersections to be minimised.

To report an issue with traffic lights, please call us on 09 430 4200 (24 hrs) or report it online:

Report a problem with a traffic light

Traffic light issues can include:

• phasing problems with the lights, e.g. short phasing
• damage caused by an accident or by vandalism
• broken light bulbs
• requests for changes to signal phasing
• buttons or other equipment not working
• requests to install tactile devices at signal pedestrian crossings.