TRF/Site Traffic/TBT-TRF-001

Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

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Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRF-001  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Vehicle incidents are a leading cause of death on UK construction sites, often involving reversing or speeding.
  • Site speed limits are typically 5-15 mph and must be clearly signed at the entrance and along haul routes.
  • A traffic management plan is required under CDM 2015 for every site where vehicles and pedestrians are present.
  • One-way systems reduce the need for reversing and should be implemented wherever site layout allows.
  • Delivery vehicles must be managed with a booking system to avoid congestion and uncontrolled movements.
  • Haul routes must be designed with adequate width, turning circles, and surface maintained to prevent skidding.
  • Pedestrian routes must be physically separated from vehicle routes using barriers, fencing, or kerbed walkways.
  • All drivers entering site must be inducted on the traffic management plan before proceeding beyond the gate.
  • Speed monitoring including radar signs and speed bumps helps enforce compliance with site speed limits.
  • Wheel washing prevents mud being carried onto public roads, which causes accidents and attracts enforcement action.

Why?

Prevent fatalitiesVehicle strikes on pedestrians are almost always fatal — speed limits and route planning save lives.
Legal requirementCDM 2015 requires a traffic management plan; sites without one face prohibition notices and prosecution.
Protect the publicPoorly managed site traffic affects the public highway — mud on roads and uncontrolled HGV movements cause accidents.
Do Don't
  • Follow the site speed limit at all times — adjust speed for conditions.
  • Use designated routes and obey all traffic signs and one-way systems.
  • Attend the site traffic management induction before driving on site.
  • Use a banksman when reversing is unavoidable in pedestrian-adjacent areas.
  • Report any damaged signs, barriers, or potholes on haul routes immediately.
  • Use wheel wash facilities before leaving site to keep public roads clean.
  • Plan deliveries using the booking system to avoid congestion at site entrances.
  • Ensure your vehicle lights, mirrors, and visibility aids are working correctly.
  • Give way to pedestrians at all crossing points and junctions on site.
  • Park only in designated areas and apply the handbrake on any gradient.
  • DON'T exceed the site speed limit under any circumstances, regardless of urgency.
  • DON'T use unofficial routes or shortcuts through pedestrian or work areas.
  • DON'T drive on site without completing the traffic management induction first.
  • DON'T reverse without a banksman in areas where pedestrians may be present.
  • DON'T ignore damaged or missing traffic signs — report them for immediate repair.
  • DON'T leave site with muddy wheels — use the wheel wash every time.
  • DON'T arrive without a booking — unplanned deliveries cause dangerous congestion.
  • DON'T drive with obscured mirrors, broken lights, or non-functioning cameras.
  • DON'T assume pedestrians have seen you — always give way at crossing points.
  • DON'T park in undesignated areas or block emergency access routes on site.

See also: Pedestrian & Vehicle Segregation | Delivery Vehicle Management
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