TRF/Site Traffic/TBT-TRF-001

Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

Traffic Management › Site Traffic › Site Speed Limits and Route Planning

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

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.

Prevent fatalities	Vehicle strikes on pedestrians are almost always fatal — speed limits and route planning save lives.
Legal requirement	CDM 2015 requires a traffic management plan; sites without one face prohibition notices and prosecution.
Protect the public	Poorly managed site traffic affects the public highway — mud on roads and uncontrolled HGV movements cause accidents.

Don't

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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