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FAQ's
Working in traffic management Roadwork Solutions understand how difficult it is to keep up with current regulations, here are some common questions we field from clients when looking at traffic management for their work. It is better to be prepared and allow for these costs in your estimations.
What is a road occupancy?
A road occupancy consists of any activity likely to impact on the operational efficiency of the road network, in other words, an activity that requires the road to be used in such a way as to affect traffic flow, or an off road activity that affects traffic flow. A road occupancy may involve the closure of traffic lane/s.
Note: Activities conducted off road that have an impact on traffic require that the RTA be officially notified of the upcoming activity.
Examples of road occupancies are:
Road maintenance such as re-surfacing, or line-marking, Lane closures around a building site (as a hazard reduction) or to get cranes or other equipment in and out, Filming activities possibly involving lane / road closures. Filming may also be considered a special event , grass cutting along median strip possibly requiring the road shoulder or a lane to be closed.
What is a road occupancy licence?
A road occupancy licence allows the proponent to use a specified road space at approved times, provided certain conditions are met. The licence applies to the occupation of the “road space” only and does not imply permission or approval for the actual (physical) works being undertaken. It is up to the proponent to obtain the relevant approvals from other agencies, such as Water Board Authorities etc.
Why do I have to obtain a licence?
The RTA and local councils are responsible for the operational efficiency of the road network. It is therefore vital that direct communication exist between the stakeholders and the person/s impacting on the traffic flow. Obtaining a licence establishes this direct communication and co-ordination of possibly conflicting demands on the network.
Obtaining a road occupancy licence for the specified activities is a legal requirement under Section 138 of The Roads Act.
Who do I obtain a licence from?
The location of the road occupancy defines the agency which is responsible for issuing the approval. For all occupancies that are on or may impact upon a classified road (state roads), applications are to be made to the Planned Incident Unit .Occupancies that impact solely upon unclassified (council) roads, application are to be made to the relevant local council authority.
Note: Occupancies that are carried out upon some unclassified (council) roads are considered critical to the affective operation of major RTA infrastructure such as highways, motorways and tunnels. In particular, some roads within the Sydney and Parramatta CBD’s will require significant consideration and assessment as to the impact to the overall state road network. Notification of these occupancies affecting these roads must be made to the Planned Incident Unit.
What happens if I don’t obtain a licence and carryout roadworks?
If you don’t obtain a licence you will be forced to cease activities and remove all impacts on the traffic flow. A NSW Police Officer, the Authorised RTA Officer or Council Officer may issue this direction.
How much will it cost?
The RTA does not currently charge a licensing fee. Licenses issued by other authorities may attract a fee, most councils integrate the cost with the Road Opening Permit
How long does it take to process an application?
Proponents SHOULD allow a minimum of 10 working days for processing from date of receipt.
What if I need to extend the license?
If activities cannot go ahead at the times approved on a licence, because of weather or other unforseen circumstances, you may reapply for an extension using the same licence number as a reference, but with the new dates and times. The application will be re-evaluated and if successful, a new licence number will be issued. Applications for extension may require a full re-assessment process, particularly in areas in high demand and may take up to 10 working days to process.