Yes, in many cases your scaffolder can arrange traffic management as part of the overall job — but it depends on the complexity of the work, the type of road, and whether the right people and approvals are in place. For anything near a public road, there are specific legal requirements in New Zealand that must be met before a single barrier cone goes down.
Why Traffic Management Matters for Scaffolding Jobs
When scaffolding is erected close to a road, footpath, or public space, it can affect pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle traffic. This creates a health and safety obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, which WorkSafe NZ enforces. The goal is to protect both the public and the workers on site from harm caused by passing traffic or obstructions.
Even a modest residential scaffold that overhangs a footpath or requires a lane closure needs some form of traffic management in place.
What Is a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)?
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is a documented plan that sets out how traffic — including pedestrians — will be safely managed around a worksite. For work on or near roads, a TMP is typically required by the relevant road controlling authority (usually your local council or Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for state highways).
TMPs must generally be prepared by a suitably qualified person. For more complex or higher-risk sites, this means someone with a Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) qualification. For simpler, lower-risk setups, a Traffic Controller (TC) qualification may be sufficient. These qualifications are administered through the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi).
Can a Scaffolding Company Organise This?
Many established scaffolding companies — particularly those that regularly work on commercial or streetside projects — either employ qualified STMS or TC personnel themselves, or have working relationships with traffic management subcontractors they can bring in. So yes, your scaffolder may well be able to coordinate this for you as a one-stop service.
However, you should always ask directly:
- Do they have qualified STMS or TC staff, or do they subcontract traffic management?
- Will they apply for the necessary road occupancy or corridor access permit from the council?
- Who is responsible for submitting and getting the TMP approved?
Don't assume it's all covered — get it confirmed in writing before work starts.
Road Occupancy and Corridor Access Permits
If the scaffold or associated works will occupy any part of the road corridor (including the footpath, berm, or carriageway), a corridor access request (CAR) or road occupancy licence is usually required from your local council. Requirements vary between councils, so your scaffolder or traffic management provider will need to check with the relevant authority.
For work on or near state highways, approval must come from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency — your scaffolder or their traffic management partner should handle this, but it's worth confirming. Note that state highway approvals can take time, so plan ahead.
What About Building Consents?
Scaffolding itself is generally not a consented structure, but the building work it supports may require a building consent under the NZ Building Code. If your project requires consent, the consent conditions may also reference site safety and public protection requirements. Always check with your local council if you're unsure whether your project needs a consent — Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists exemptions, but these should be confirmed with your council rather than assumed.
Health and Safety Responsibilities on Site
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, everyone involved in the project — including you as the homeowner (if you're a PCBU, or person conducting a business or undertaking) — may have duties. In practice, your scaffolding contractor will typically take on the primary responsibility for managing risks associated with their work, including traffic management. But it's important to understand that as the person who engaged them, you have an interest in making sure they're doing it properly.
WorkSafe NZ provides guidance on overlapping duties and what's expected of each party on a worksite.
Typical Scenarios and What's Usually Needed
| Scenario | Likely Requirement |
|---|---|
| Scaffold over footpath only | TC or STMS, council permit, pedestrian detour |
| Partial lane closure on local road | STMS, TMP, council road occupancy licence |
| Full lane closure or state highway | STMS, approved TMP, Waka Kotahi approval |
| Scaffold entirely on private property | May not need formal TMP, but assess risks |
These are general guides only — always confirm requirements with your local council and your scaffolding contractor.
When to Call a Professional
If your scaffolding job is anywhere near a road, footpath, or public space, you should engage a scaffolding company experienced in roadside work. Ask whether they can manage the traffic management component or whether you'll need to engage a separate traffic management company. For larger or more complex jobs — particularly on busy roads or state highways — a specialist traffic management firm may be the better option.
You can find qualified local scaffolders and traffic management professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
