What is a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS)?
What is a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS)?
A Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) is a scaled technical diagram that shows exactly how temporary traffic control devices will be positioned around a worksite or road event. It is a mandatory document for most works that affect traffic flow on public roads in Australia, and must comply with the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM).
What is a Traffic Guidance Scheme?
A Traffic Guidance Scheme is a site-specific, scaled plan that maps out the placement of temporary traffic control devices including signs, delineators, barriers, arrow boards and cones around a worksite. It shows the layout of the traffic control zone, including the advance warning area, transition zone, activity area and termination area as defined by AGTTM.
A TGS is not a general safety plan or a risk assessment. It is a precise technical drawing, typically prepared to scale, that a traffic controller or site supervisor uses to set up the traffic control environment correctly.
When is a TGS Legally Required in Australia?
A TGS is required whenever work is carried out on or adjacent to a public road that affects the movement of traffic. This includes:
Utility and infrastructure works (water, gas, electrical, NBN)
Road maintenance and repair work
Events that require temporary road closures or traffic diversions
Construction works in or near a road reserve
Any work requiring a lane closure, shoulder closure or footpath obstruction
The specific trigger depends on the road type, speed zone and jurisdiction. In most states, any work in a speed zone of 60 km/h or above requires a formal TGS prepared by a qualified person. Works in lower speed zones may still require a TGS depending on the road authority's requirements.
What Does AGTTM-Compliant Mean?
AGTTM stands for the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management. It is the national framework that sets out the standards and practices for managing traffic around worksites in Australia. A TGS described as AGTTM-compliant means it has been prepared in accordance with the device placement distances, speed zone requirements and documentation standards in the Guide.
Road authorities, councils and WorkSafe bodies across Australia require AGTTM compliance as a condition of works approval. A non-compliant TGS can result in a permit being rejected, work being stopped on site, or liability issues if an incident occurs.
What Does a TGS Document Contain?
A complete, AGTTM-compliant Traffic Guidance Scheme includes:
A scaled site diagram showing road geometry, work zone dimensions and device placement
Traffic control device schedule (type, quantity and position of each device)
Speed zone information and any temporary speed limit in effect
Advance warning distances based on the operating speed
Site-specific notes for hazards, pedestrian management or night work
Planner details and the date of preparation
For complex sites, a TGS may also include multiple layouts to cover different stages of work or varying traffic conditions.
TGS vs TMP — What is the Difference?
A Traffic Guidance Scheme and a Traffic Management Plan are different documents that serve different purposes, although both are often required for the same job.
A TGS is the physical layout diagram. It shows where the devices go.
A TMP is the broader management document. It describes the overall approach to managing traffic, including risk assessment, stakeholder notifications, emergency procedures and a description of the work activities.
For small to medium jobs, a TGS may be sufficient on its own. For larger or higher-risk projects, the road authority will require both a TMP and a TGS. The TGS is typically an attachment or component of the TMP.
How Long Does a TGS Take to Prepare?
A standard TGS for a straightforward job can be prepared in as little as 2 to 4 hours by an experienced traffic management planner. The time depends on the complexity of the site, the number of traffic control layouts required and the road authority's specific submission format.
OnPoint TGS guarantees a 4-hour turnaround on standard TGS documents. For urgent requests, same-day preparation is available. All documents are prepared by senior planners with 20+ years of industry experience.
State-Specific Requirements (VIC, TAS, SA, NT)
While AGTTM provides the national baseline, each state and territory has its own road authority requirements that overlay the national standard.
Victoria: VicRoads (now part of the Department of Transport and Planning) requires TGS documents to follow AGTTM Part 3 guidelines. For works on arterial roads, a pre-approved traffic management supplier may be required.
Tasmania: The Department of State Growth manages road authority approvals in Tasmania. TGS requirements follow AGTTM with state-specific supplements. OnPoint TGS has extensive experience preparing council-ready TGS documents for Tasmanian contractors.
South Australia: DPTI (Department for Infrastructure and Transport) administers TGS requirements in SA. High-speed rural roads require additional device spacing as per AGTTM high-speed supplements.
Northern Territory: The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics oversees traffic management approvals in the NT. Remote road works often require additional risk assessment components within the TGS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A TGS must be prepared by a person with the appropriate traffic management qualifications. In most states this requires completion of the Prepare a Worksite Traffic Management Plan unit (RIIWHS302E or equivalent) at minimum. For high-risk or complex sites, a more senior qualification or endorsement may be required. OnPoint TGS planners hold relevant national qualifications and have 20+ years of practical experience.
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OnPoint TGS prepares standard TGS documents within 4 hours of receiving the required site information. Complex or multi-stage sites may take longer. Contact us for an accurate turnaround estimate for your specific job.
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To prepare your TGS, we need the site address or GPS coordinates, the road name and number, a description of the work being carried out, the expected duration and work hours, and the speed zone. For more complex sites, photos or a sketch of the work area are helpful.
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TGS pricing depends on the complexity of the site, the number of layouts required and the turnaround time. OnPoint TGS provides transparent, independent pricing. Get a quote by submitting your job details online at onpointtgs.com.au or calling us directly.