How much does a Traffic Management Plan cost in Melbourne?

TMP preparation costs vary with complexity. Single-day footpath works can be a few hundred dollars; multi-stage arterial road or event TMPs run into the low thousands. MLA Traffic quotes per project after a site brief.

How long does VicRoads or council take to approve a TMP?

Council permits typically take 5–10 business days. VicRoads MoAs vary by complexity but commonly 10–20 business days. Plan early; rushed applications are the leading cause of delayed project starts.

Do small council jobs need a TMP?

Yes — any works that alter the normal use of a road or footpath need a documented TMP and TGS under AS 1742.3, regardless of duration.

TMPs & Compliance · TMP· AS 1742.3· Victoria

What's in a Victorian Traffic Management Plan

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) in Victoria is the document that defines how a worksite manages vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in line with AS 1742.3, the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM), the Victorian Code of Practice for Worksite Safety – Traffic Management, and the Road Management Act 2004. Every TMP must include a risk assessment, a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) layout, device specifications, controller positioning, contingency plans, and the responsible TMI.

Damian Reale · Operations Manager 21 May 2025 Updated 25 May 2026 2 min read

MLA Traffic pedestrian management signage at a Melbourne worksite

Key takeaways

A Victorian Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is a documented set of controls for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians around a worksite, prepared to AS 1742.3 and the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.
Every TMP must include risk assessment, a Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS), signage and device specifications, controller positioning, and contingency arrangements.
In Victoria, TMPs are required for any works that change the normal use of a road, footpath or shared path — including short-duration jobs.
TMPs that affect VicRoads-managed roads usually require a Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA); council-managed roads require a council permit.

What is a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)?

A TMP is a project-level document that records the worksite's traffic risks and the controls applied to manage them. It is the regulatory record that proves the worksite was set up to current Victorian standards.

TMPs are required under the Victorian Code of Practice for Worksite Safety – Traffic Management. They sit above the TGS (the actual on-site layout) and act as the planning and approval document submitted to councils and VicRoads / Department of Transport and Planning.

What's the difference between a TMP, a TGS, and a TCP?

A TMP is the planning document, a TGS is the scaled site layout, and "TCP" (Traffic Control Plan) is the older term for what is now called a TGS. Victoria adopted "TGS" with the move to AGTTM under the National Training Framework.

TMP — project-level plan, submitted with permit applications
TGS (Traffic Guidance Scheme) — scaled diagram of the worksite layout
TCP (Traffic Control Plan) — legacy term, equivalent to TGS

What must a Victorian TMP include?

Project name, location, dates, and responsible contractor
Risk assessment of road users, workers, and pedestrians
TGS layout (or layouts, if works have multiple phases)
Device specifications (signs, cones, barriers, VMS) per AS 1742.3
Traffic controller positioning and shift arrangements
Contingency arrangements (weather, incidents, emergency access)
Responsible Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) and contacts
Communications plan (council, residents, emergency services)

Who can prepare a TMP in Victoria?

A Traffic Management Implementer (TMI) or higher-accredited Traffic Management Designer can prepare a TMP. The accreditation comes through Austroads-recognised training delivered by RTOs in Victoria.

When is a TMP required?

A TMP is required whenever works change the normal use of a road, footpath or shared path — even for short jobs. The duration threshold is not "small jobs are exempt"; it's "any change to normal road use needs documented controls".

What permits accompany a TMP?

On VicRoads / Department of Transport and Planning managed roads, the TMP usually accompanies a Memorandum of Authorisation (MoA). On council roads, the TMP supports a works on road permit application.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

How much does a Traffic Management Plan cost in Melbourne?: TMP preparation costs vary with complexity. Single-day footpath works can be a few hundred dollars; multi-stage arterial road or event TMPs run into the low thousands. MLA Traffic quotes per project after a site brief.
How long does VicRoads or council take to approve a TMP?: Council permits typically take 5–10 business days. VicRoads MoAs vary by complexity but commonly 10–20 business days. Plan early; rushed applications are the leading cause of delayed project starts.
Do small council jobs need a TMP?: Yes — any works that alter the normal use of a road or footpath need a documented TMP and TGS under AS 1742.3, regardless of duration.

Related services

Traffic Management Plans Permits

Written by

Damian Reale

Operations Manager, MLA Traffic

Operations Manager at MLA Traffic and MLD Corporation. Damian works across crew coordination, on-site compliance, equipment logistics, and permit pathways with VicRoads and Melbourne councils.