February 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to the February edition of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) Traffic Management Reform (TMR) program newsletter.
The TMR program is transforming the traffic management industry by providing the extra support needed to promote safety on the road network and reduce unnecessary congestion and delays around worksites.
This is our regular newsletter to keep the traffic management industry up-to-date on any progress and changes as part of the TMR program. Please share it with anyone you think should know about the program and upcoming changes.
Changes to activating and deactivating MoA permits from 4 March 2024
A reminder that DTP will require traffic management companies to activate and deactivate Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA) permits via the Road Access Permits Portal (RAPP) from 4 March 2024.
The Transport Operations Centre (TOC) will only action calls to activate and deactivate MoA permits with LUMS or TRIMs, or those that are Road Works and Events (RWE) MoA permits.
This change will support the TOC to better respond to emergencies and incidents on the road network and action more complex MoA permits.
The MoA activation feature can be accessed from the RAPP dashboard and includes an easy view of permits which are still activated. Training material is available on the VicRoads website, under ‘How to activate and deactivate an MoA permit (TM on/off)’.
Please continue calling the TOC if you are conducting any exempt works on the DTP managed road network, including exempt utility and emergency works.
We are running an online session at 2pm on 21 February to support this change, including a live demonstration of how to activate and deactivate an MoA permits under each RAPP account type and setting aside time to troubleshoot any issues you may have, such as completing the registration process.
Please email the RAPP team on RAPP.support@roads.vic.gov.au to RSVP for the session by 11am on 21 February to receive the link to the session.
Accreditation renewal process begins July 2024
The Temporary Traffic Management Accreditation program (Accreditation) renewal process will begin in July 2024 as Accreditation is valid for two years.
While new forms and requirements are currently in development, the process will include:
- reviewing traffic management company performance as part of the assessment process
- requiring each traffic management company to attach current/updated versions of key documents to its renewal application, including ISO certification of Quality and OH&S Management Systems, and evidence of valid insurance.
We will provide more details on process and timings once available. Each company will receive a reminder to renew their Accreditation status closer to their expiry date.
In the meantime, all queries can be sent to TMAccreditation@roads.vic.gov.au.
Complying to the new Code of Practice (CoP) and National Training Framework
Complying to the new CoP
While the new CoP commenced on 1 December 2023, DTP will not be enforcing compliance to the new Traffic Management Design (TMD) elements until the new TMD training is readily available and workers have had the opportunity to receive formal training.
MoA permit applications and supporting documents designed to comply to the previous CoP (such as the Traffic Guidance Scheme) will be accepted without penalty, until further notice.
Anyone who has already upskilled themselves in the new requirements can design in accordance with the new CoP.
Information and supporting documents on the new CoP are available on the VicRoads website. If you have any questions or need more information, email ATPapplications@roads.vic.gov.au.
Complying to the National Training Framework
The National Training Framework has now been adopted in Victoria to ensure workers are trained in the new standards and obligations. This creates consistency in content and teaching methods, and nationally recognised qualifications.
The new Traffic Controller (TC) and Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) training are both now available. DTP has extended the mandatory uptake date of the new TC and TMI training until 1 March 2024. Previous TC and TMI training can continue to be delivered concurrently with the new training until 29 February 2024 and any training taken during this time will be recognised by DTP. A list of Approved Training Providers (ATPs) can be found on the Austroads website.
We will provide an update on when the new TMD training will be available as soon as the timings are confirmed. Until further notice, any previously completed TMD training will be recognised by DTP.
Qualifications achieved through the previous TC, TMI and TMD courses will be recognised, either until they expire or two years from issue date, whichever is sooner.
Information about the National Training Framework is available on the VicRoads website.
If you have any questions or need more information, email ATPapplications@roads.vic.gov.au.
Road work exclusion zones – Wurundjeri Way/Dudley Street closure
The road work exclusion zone around the West Gate Tunnel Project disruptions which started on 15 January 2024 will be in place until 4 March 2024.
The exclusion zone is designed to minimise congestion on key arterials and to maintain the resilience of the network for vehicles, freight and public transport.
MoA and Working Within the Road Reserve (WWRR) permits will not be authorised within the exclusion zone during these times. Exemptions may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, including a map of the exclusion zone and a list of affected arterials, please visit the VicRoads website.
Celebrating diversity and inclusion in traffic management
A key priority of the TMR program is to partner with industry to raise awareness of diversity and inclusion in traffic management. We’re seeking your help to celebrate and highlight stories, achievements and benefits of diversity and inclusion in the traffic management industry, particularly through innovation and excellence.
While there are many diversity groups in the Australian community and across the traffic management industry to celebrate, there are five groups of focus for this campaign:
- Women
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) people
- People with a disability
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people
If you have any stories, achievements or benefits around innovation and excellence to share, please contact us on tmr.support@transport.vic.gov.au.
Through the TMR program, DTP is delighted to recognise outstanding service and contribution from Indigenous traffic controllers across Australia through its sponsorship of the Indigenous Traffic Controller of the Year Award at the Traffic Management Association Australia (TMAA) Excellence Awards being held in March 2024.
Key TMR program dates
21 February
- RAPP MoA permit activation and deactivation live demonstration.
29 February
- Previous TC and TMI training can continue to be delivered concurrently with the new training and will be recognised by DTP until 29 February 2024. It will not be recognised after this date.
From 1 March 2024
- New TC and TMI training courses become mandatory. Training taken under the previous courses after this date will no longer be recognised by DTP.
From 4 March 2024
- MoA permit activation and deactivation to be performed via the RAPP. TOC will only action calls to activate and deactivate MoA permits with LUMS or TRIMs, those that are RWE MoA permits, or exempted utility and emergency works.
First half of 2024
- More details about the Volunteer and Occasional Road Workers and TMD training will be released.
- Further information about new Surveillance Framework and end-to-end enforcement processes will be released.
- Further engagement with local councils on aligning permit process and creating consistency for industry.
30 June 2024
Get in touch
Please email us at tmr.support@transport.vic.gov.au if you have any questions or need further information on the TMR program.
|
