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T'n'T News
(Traffic and Transport News Blog)
These articles are made available by the author for educational purposes only as well as to provide general information and a general understanding regarding published requirements and obligations. These articles should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice.

Pavement Arrows at Roadwork Sites

9/6/2019

5 Comments

 
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​Can you turn left or right when the Traffic Controller turns the bat from STOP to SLOW at this Road Works site in WA? (The signals are on flashing amber).
Picture

Road Traffic Code 2000

​Regulation 73 (Traffic lane arrows) of version 05-10-02 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 states:
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Note that Subregulation 1 does not apply if “the driver is driving in the direction indicated by traffic lane arrows that apply to one or more marked lanes and there is an obstruction in each of these lanes.”

The definition of an “obstruction” in the Road Traffic Code 2000 is “includes a traffic hazard but does not include a vehicle only because the vehicle is stopped in traffic or is travelling more slowly than other vehicles”.
​
Despite not specifically mentioning road works in the “obstruction” definition, Regulations 22(3), 26(3) and 59(2b) identify “roadworks” as an example of an obstruction within a lane.

Based on the above, it appears that the Road Traffic Code 2000 allows for right and left turns to be made legally from the straight-ahead lane on the basis that these turn lanes are provided on this approach but are “obstructed”.

Drive Safe Handbook

The introduction to the Drive Safe Handbook indicates that:

This handbook is a comprehensive guide to the road rules that apply in Western Australia.
It is written in an easy to understand format and designed primarily to help new drivers prepare for a lifetime of safe driving. If you are a new driver, this book contains the information you will need to obtain your learner’s permit.

The laws explained in this book are the major ones that are contained in the Road Traffic Code 2000 and Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014. However, drivers should be familiar with all traffic laws and a copy of the relevant rules and regulations can be viewed on the internet at www.slp.wa.gov.au or purchased from the State Law Publisher.
​
The following diagram within the Drive Safe Handbook indicates that drivers must drive in the direction of the arrows.
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Australian Standards

Clause 5.5.2.3 (Intersection arrows) of AS 1742.2-2009 states “Intersection pavement arrows give a positive indication of the paths vehicles must follow at intersections or roundabouts. They are legally enforceable.”
​
Clause 2.3.2 (Safety and convenience) of AS 1742.3-2009 states “When they are not applicable during the works period, regulatory signs shall be removed or covered. Regulatory pavement markings likewise shall be either obliterated or traffic control measures employed to direct traffic along paths which might otherwise infringe the regulatory requirements of the markings.

Coroner's Findings

At the Inquest into the death of Peter John Bonnell [2018] NTLC 002, the Coroner made a Finding (#23) that:
​
“If existing markings are not appropriate or are potentially misleading, they should be removed and replaced by more suitable markings …”

Summary

In summary, it appears that it is legally permissible to turn right, left or travel straight ahead from a lane with pavement arrows indicating only other movements are allowed provided that the other lanes on the same approach indicate that these movements are permissible but are obstructed (closed) by roadworks.

This assessment has indicated that it is unlikely that drivers will be aware of the ability to perform the movements indicated above as this is not clearly indicated in the Drive Safe Handbook. The Australian Standards indicate that pavement markings should be obliterated or managed within road work sites and a Coroner has indicated that if existing markings are not appropriate or are potentially misleading, they should be removed and replaced by more suitable markings.
​
Roadworks are complex sites and signs should mean what they say to avoid any confusion or ambiguity.

Action

This assessment will be raised and discussed by the author with Main Roads WA through the Traffic Management for Works on Roads Users Group to identify and agree a consistent and clear method of addressing the issue of pavement markings within roadwork sites.
5 Comments
Angela Anders
9/6/2019 01:39:55 pm

Hi David
A consistent approach is needed as i have had traffic Management plans authorised by MRWA that have not covered or removed pavement markings and other TMPs that MRWA have requested the pavement markings are covered or removed.

The inconsistent outcomes can cause a loss of confidence when dealing with the client requesting the TMP. I can not confidently argue for covering the lane marking or not covering the lane marking. If the lane markings are to be covered I am not confident on the method that should be used.
My own method of deciding is if the works are long-term I will cover the lane markings or if only for one shift I leave the lane markings uncovered. Although MRWA do not always agree.

Reply
Brad Brooksby
9/6/2019 01:55:43 pm

Hi David
I discussed this with Main Roads a while ago when arrows began to appear on Bussell Hwy at every intersection and got the "follow the arrows" answer or cover the head of the arrow so best of luck.
I agree with Angela, when one shift or less I place a Lookout Person to assist traffic which is my mitigation. When longer than one shift I require the arrow head to be covered, I do note however that the covers are risky to cycles and motorbikes in damp conditions, the person covering the marking is also placed at risk. Usually the crews seem to forget to cover the arrow and the sites work well.

Reply
David Wilkins
9/6/2019 02:29:28 pm

Hi Brad,

I forgot to mention that the Road Traffic Code 2000 was amended to include Subregulation (2) (d) so it is possible that earlier "follow the arrows" advice was correct. I audited the site with reference to an earlier version of the Road Traffic Code and came to the same "follow the arrows" conclusion but it appears that this has now changed.

Reply
Victor Moro link
9/6/2019 02:51:29 pm


Arrows should not be removed or modified for short term or intermittent works (day or night works for an 8 hr period)
For example an intersection is controlled and managed by traffic controllers on each intersection leg during roadworks, then intersection is returned to normal operation at end of work shift (8hr)
This can be undertaken again the next day and again the following day. (Road returned to normal operation at end of works)
Arrow markings should be modified or removed where works are for long term where roadworks are continuous during the day and night.
Road arrows to be reinstated to initial standard or new standard if intersection is modified.
This scenario should be applied to future amendments to current code of practice or standards.
The removal and reinstatement of road marking will be an additional cost that has to be born by the project principal or client.

Reply
Paving Contractors Mackay link
12/10/2020 03:59:56 pm

Thanks for some tips man

Reply



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    David Wilkins, Principal & Senior Traffic Engineer.

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