Delivery Vehicle Management

Delivery vehicles including HGVs, flatbeds, concrete wagons, and low loaders are involved in many serious site incidents.
A delivery management system with timed booking slots prevents dangerous congestion at the site entrance and unloading areas.
All delivery drivers must receive a site-specific induction covering the traffic management plan before proceeding past the gate.
Designated unloading areas with firm standing, adequate space, and clear escape routes must be prepared for each delivery type.
Banksmen must be present for all deliveries requiring reversing, particularly near pedestrians and working areas.
Vehicles must not be overloaded — the driver and site team share responsibility for ensuring loads are within legal limits.
Securing loads properly prevents materials shifting or falling during transit and unloading on site.
Crane and telehandler offloading requires a lift plan when loads exceed the equipment capacity or are non-standard items.
Delivery drivers must remain in a safe waiting area during mechanical offloading — not standing beneath suspended loads.
Wheel washing prevents mud and debris being carried onto public roads, causing accidents and attracting enforcement.

Prevent struck-by	Delivery vehicles reversing and manoeuvring on congested sites strike workers — banksmen and booking systems prevent this.
Public highway safety	Queuing vehicles, mud on roads, and uncontrolled turning movements endanger the public on adjacent highways.
Efficient operations	A booking system prevents multiple deliveries arriving simultaneously, reducing congestion that creates dangerous conditions.

Do

Don't

Use a delivery booking system with timed slots to manage vehicle arrivals.
Induct all delivery drivers on the site traffic management plan before entry.
Designate firm, level unloading areas with adequate space for each delivery type.
Provide a banksman for all deliveries requiring reversing near work areas.
Check that incoming loads are within legal weight limits before offloading.
Ensure loads are properly secured before vehicles move on or off the site.
Follow the lift plan when using cranes or telehandlers for offloading materials.
Direct drivers to a safe waiting area during mechanical offloading operations.
Use wheel wash facilities to clean vehicles before they return to public roads.
Manage vehicle movements to avoid conflict with pedestrian routes on site.

DON'T allow unbooked deliveries to arrive and create congestion at the gate.
DON'T let drivers proceed on site without completing the traffic management induction.
DON'T unload vehicles on soft ground, slopes, or in areas without adequate space.
DON'T permit vehicles to reverse near workers without a trained banksman present.
DON'T accept overloaded vehicles — check weights before allowing offloading to proceed.
DON'T move vehicles with unsecured loads — materials fall and strike workers below.
DON'T lift non-standard loads without a specific lift plan for the offloading method.
DON'T allow drivers to stand near or beneath loads during mechanical offloading.
DON'T let vehicles leave site with muddy wheels — use the wheel wash every time.
DON'T route delivery vehicles through pedestrian walkways or working areas.

See also: Site Speed Limits and Route Planning | HGV & Tipper Safety on Site

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