Chapter F13 Traffic systems and road safety

F13.2 Area-wide traffic control systems

Introduction

The NZTA promotes and supports the installation and use of area-wide traffic control systems. Systems should include both state highway and local road traffic signal installation.

Note: SCATS has been the only system supported to date; however, this policy does not prohibit the use of other area-wide traffic signal control schemes.

Plan for new systems

Before a new system is considered for installation, the territorial authority must submit a traffic management plan to the NZTA for approval. This plan must include:

• the scope of the traffic management scheme being implemented under SCATS, including staging
• the existing traffic volumes in the system
• full geometric details of existing roadway and intersection layouts, and any proposed changes
• an indication of expected benefits
• evidence that suitable operation and maintenance arrangements have been established and agreed by any other participating parties.

State highway traffic signals

The NZTA's regional state highway manager must give prior approval to connect traffic signals on state highways to the area-wide traffic control system.

Programming

Programming is as follows:

• Operation, maintenance and power costs of area-wide traffic control systems, including update of software, are programmed under work category 123: operational traffic management.
• Renewal of area-wide traffic control systems is programmed under work category 222: traffic services renewals.
• Extension of area-wide traffic control systems or upgrading these to the current standard, up to a limit of $10,000, can be programmed under work category 231: associated improvements.
• New area-wide traffic control system facilities or equipment are programmed under work category 321: new traffic management facilities.