Persistent vehicles breaching road closures now face a clearer risk-based response under new industry guidance. The document distinguishes between drivers who ignore controls and those acting with malicious intent, outlining five tiers of mitigation.
Five tiers from delineation to physical access control
The Traffic Management Contractors Association (TMCA), together with the Supply Chain Safety Leadership Group’s Incursions & IPV Working Group, published the guidance titled Guidance on Additional Measures for Determined Vehicles. It is available at TMCA.org.uk.
The framework sets out five categories of control for temporary traffic management (TTM) sites facing incursions from determined vehicles. These categories are: Traffic Delineation, Detection and Alert, Visible Deterrents, Physical Deterrents, and Physical Access Control.
Define the threat, respond to the risk
The guidance introduces a key distinction between a “Determined Vehicle” and a “Hostile Vehicle.” A Determined Vehicle persistently ignores controls at speed, while a Hostile Vehicle is driven with malicious intent to cause harm.
This separation supports applying a proportionate, site-specific response rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Secondary measures should follow the “so far as is reasonably practicable” (SFAIRP) principle based on risk assessments.
Get the basics right first
Greg Baldwin from Highway Traffic Management, one of the lead authors, says the main mitigation against determined vehicles is ensuring that standard temporary traffic management is correct, compliant, and effective from the outset.
Only when that foundation is secure does the guidance recommend escalating to additional measures aligned with the five-tier hierarchy. This approach aims to safeguard workers and maintain site integrity without unnecessary complexity.
Traceable decisions for greater accountability
The document emphasises maintaining a Mitigation Decision Log and a Risk Classification Record. These tools help contractors keep clear, auditable records of decisions made regarding vehicle incursion risks and the controls applied.
Following its release, the Incursions Working Group and TMCA plan to brief members and the wider industry to support consistent implementation. Manufacturers can also use the framework to align products with operator needs.
About the contributors
The TMCA represents contractors involved in delivering temporary traffic management across the UK. Its website hosts the full guidance document.
The Incursions & IPV Working Group is part of the Supply Chain Safety Leadership Group. It focuses on reducing risks from vehicle incursions and enhancing roadwork safety.
