Traffic Management Plan Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A Traffic Management Plan Risk Assessment is a mandatory safety document that you must prepare whenever your work or event will affect public highways in England and Wales. This comprehensive assessment identifies potential hazards, evaluates associated risks, and establishes control measures to protect workers, road users, and members of the public during highway operations.

When do you need this document?

You are legally required to complete this risk assessment for any activity that impacts public highways, including road construction projects, utility works, building developments near roads, street events, and temporary road closures. Principal contractors must prepare this document before commencing work, while traffic management contractors need it to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations. Local highway authorities often require this assessment as part of permit applications, and project owners need it to fulfill their legal duties under construction regulations. The document is also essential for insurance purposes and regulatory inspections.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must demonstrate compliance with multiple pieces of legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires you to protect employees and the public from workplace hazards. Under the Traffic Management Act 2004, you must minimize disruption to traffic networks and ensure proper coordination with highway authorities. The CDM Regulations 2015 require principal contractors to manage health and safety risks throughout the construction process. Your document should include detailed hazard identification covering vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, worker exposure to traffic, equipment failures, and adverse weather conditions. You must establish a risk matrix showing probability and severity ratings, implement appropriate control measures such as temporary traffic signals, barriers, and signage, and define emergency procedures and communication protocols.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under England and Wales law, your Traffic Management Plan Risk Assessment must meet specific statutory requirements. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates that you conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments before work begins. The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 requires coordination with highway authorities and compliance with traffic management codes of practice. The Highways Act 1980 governs your obligations regarding highway maintenance and public safety. You must ensure your assessment is reviewed and updated regularly, particularly when site conditions change. The document must be available for inspection by HSE officials, highway authorities, and other relevant enforcement bodies. Failure to maintain adequate risk assessments can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and potential imprisonment for responsible persons.